High school students in Collier and Lee counties are getting a jump on their college careers through the Accelerated Collegiate Experience program at Florida Gulf Coast University in Estero. Each year, about 200 juniors and seniors from high schools in the two counties participate in ACE, taking 12-16 credits alongside traditional college students (all for free, including textbooks and parking), join clubs, and even work on campus.
“It is worlds apart from the high school experience … I couldn’t even begin to describe how much better it is,” says Alex Smuda, a senior at Gulf Coast High School and second-year dual enrollment student.
Alex applied for ACE because of the opportunity to take advanced classes. By the end of his sophomore year in high school, he had taken all of the math and science courses available at his high school.
In addition to taking on more challenging coursework, Alex has become involved in research projects at FGCU – an opportunity usually not available to the typical high school student, and one that is helping Alex home in on his college and career paths. “The communication with professors one-on-one has definitely helped me to see what sorts of things I enjoy doing,” he explained. “It’s hard to tell what I want to focus on right now, but it’s definitely pushed me in specific directions that I would not have gone anywhere else.”
Other ACE students agree that the program has allowed them to explore different college majors before leaving high school. Alana Cumberbatch, a senior at Palmetto Ridge High School in Naples and second-year dual enrollment student, imagined herself as a journalist after taking a class called News Literacy. However, other courses helped her decide that wasn’t the path for her, and she now plans to major in history and is considering a career in law.
Ashlene Thomas, a senior at South Fort Myers High School and a second-year dual enrollment student, said that the opportunities available at FGCU already are preparing for her career in finance. “I’m always learning about [finance], soaking it up, meeting new people, and finding new opportunities,” she explained.
Help with the transition
The transition from the high school to the college experience can be challenging as students adjust to the increased workload and expectations of college classes while also experiencing the freedoms of a college student. The ACE program supports students with a variety of resources. “I didn’t know they’d be so hands-on in the first year, so that was really helpful,” said Ashlene. “They were kind of like a helping hand in the ACE class and always let us know that they were here for us.”
All ACE students are required to take a one-credit course their first semester that helps familiarize them with resources at the university as well as meet other dual enrollment students. That first semester, every student also is paired with a mentor, who checks in regularly to make sure they are adjusting well to college life.
Alana currently serves as a mentor, and finds that her mentees’ greatest challenges typically are time management and asking for help. Alana has “helped people curate a study schedule because it was overwhelming” academically at first for some students. There are also on-campus resources – such as free tutoring and academic coaching, and the Writing Center – that are available to all ACE students.
Why dual?
Students do dual enrollment for a variety of reasons. Alex wanted more challenging academics. Ashlene enrolled to save money and get college credit. ACE students who stay at FGCU after high school
graduation can receive a scholarships from the ACE program. Ashlene is a National Merit finalist and also will receive the Bright Futures scholarship. She is considering attending law school, and is saving money on her undergraduate degree that can be put toward law school tuition.
Like Ashlene, Alana also was looking to reduce the cost of an undergraduate degree. “My mom’s philosophy is to get as much of your education paid for as possible,” she said.
AP versus dual enrollment
One of the most common questions students and parents ask about full-time dual enrollment is how it compares to AP level courses. The ACE students are unanimous in their preference for college coursework. “AP and AICE classes have a lot of busy work that doesn’t necessarily translate to what you’ll be doing in college,” Alana said.
Alex agreed. “AP is a lot more busy work that isn’t really useful to the student and learning the material. While some college classes do have busy work, it’s more focused on making sure that you’re understanding the material.”
Dual enrollment and AP courses both give Florida students’ weighted GPA a one-point boost, but ACE has many additional advantages, and receiving college credit isn’t dependent on one test at the end of the year. Florida state colleges and universities are required to accept all dual enrollment credit (with some restrictions), while private Florida schools and out-of-state institutions have individual policies on dual credit. Students with dual enrollment credit are still considered freshmen when they enter college, but can receive advanced standing for things like registration. FGCU does not award associate degrees to ACE students, unless they continue on at FGCU following high school graduation.
Maintaining that high school connection
While full-time dual enrollment students no longer take classes at their home high schools, they still are able to take advantage of some traditional high school activities, such as sports and clubs. Unfortunately, full-time dual enrollment students are not permitted to participate in high school music programs.
Alana is the captain of PRHS’s varsity girl’s basketball team. Driving to FGCU and back to Palmetto for practice every day has tested Alana’s time management skills, but she does not regret juggling both basketball and FGCU. “It’s doable. Is it stressful? Yes, but it makes the experience interesting,” she explained.
“Basketball makes me feel like I’m still a part of the school, and it gives me a reason to still walk for graduation,” she said, “but I’m definitely glad that I’m not there full-time.”
The drawbacks
Being a dual enrollment student isn’t without its negatives. Most students must have a car to commute to campus, and few enjoy the drive, especially during season. Some students struggle to handle the new freedoms or the increased academic responsibilities. Others are sad to leave their high school career behind early.
Ashlene recommended that potential ACE students should “be comfortable being by yourself.” Students spend a lot of time commuting and studying, and a lot less time surrounded by their friends than in high school.
Just do it
When asked what advice he would give to prospective ACE students, Alex said, “Do it.” Ashlene and Alana agreed. All three said that dual enrollment has provided them with academic and career opportunities and connections, influenced their decisions on their major, and has given them a true college experience.
For more information on the Accelerated Collegiate xperience program at Florida Gulf Coast University, visit www.fgcu.edu/admissionsandaid/ace.
Part-time and full-time dual enrollment programs are available at Florida Southwest State College. Visit www.fsw.edu/dualenrollment for more information.
Dual enrollment classes also are offered on Collier County high school campuses, and more information on these courses is available through your student’s high school guidance counselor.
Rachel Newman is a senior at Barron Collier High School and a second-year ACE student at FGCU. She will be majoring in English and history at the College of Wooster in Ohio in the fall.