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
NEAPOLITANfamily • March 2023
More Information For more information on the Accelerated Collegiate Experience 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. 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. 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.
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