ACE Scholars Program at Shoreline College



    Start your U.S. university education early while still in high school!

        


    What is the ACE Scholars Program?

    The Accelerated College Experience (ACE) Scholars Program is a selective opportunity for high-achieving high school students in grades 10-12 around the world to begin their U.S. university education early by taking online classes at Shoreline College. Unlike AP or IB programs, ACE Scholars allows you to earn real, transferable U.S. college credits before you graduate from high school!

    To apply, you need to submit academic transcripts showing a minimum 3.0 GPA or equivalent, proof of English proficiency, a recommendation letter, and a personal essay.
     

    Why Choose the ACE Scholars Program?

    • Take real U.S. college classes taught by college professors
    • Earn grades based on class assignments and participation, not just 1 final exam
    • Receive an official transcript from Shoreline College with transferable college credits
    • Take flexible, asynchronous online classes with no required live meetings
    • Start classes in any of Shoreline’s 4 intake quarters (fall, winter, spring, or summer)
    • Save money on tuition compared to classes at many 4-year universities
    • Maintain freshman admission eligibility at most U.S. universities
    • Build a strong academic profile that demonstrates college readiness and helps you stand out to top-tier universities
     

    Compare ACE Scholars to Advanced Placement (AP).
     

    ACE Scholars (Shoreline College)
    Advanced Placement (AP)

    College credit is earned by passing the class and is transferable to most universities

    College credit may be earned depending on AP exam score and each university’s individual policies

    Final class grades and credits are reported on an official college transcriptFinal class grades are reported separately from AP exam scores

    Final grades are determined by multiple assignments and participation throughout the term

    		Final grades are determined by a single high-stakes exam
    Classes are taught by U.S. college professorsClasses are taught by high school teachers 
    Classes are taught 100% online with no required live meetings (asynchronous)Classes are taught in person with required live meeting (synchronous)
    A 5 credit class takes 1 quarter (8-10 weeks) to complete An equivalent AP class takes 1 full academic year (9 months) to complete


    Save Money on Tuition!

    The cost of tuition for 1 class (5 quarter credits) at Shoreline College is about $1,700. This can save up you to $6,000 per class compared to many 4-year universities. The cost per class is even lower when you take more than 1 class in the same quarter.


    The ACE Scholars Program can also help you avoid paying extra fees that are often required for AP or IB programs.
     

    Classes Per Quarter
    (8-10 weeks)    		College CreditsEstimated Tuition
      1 class  5 quarter credits  $1,700
      2 classes  10 quarter credits  $3,400
      3 classes  15 quarter credits  $3,800

    Note: 1.5 quarter credits equals 1 semester credit. Tuition shown is based on current international online rates. The cost of books and materials is not included.

     
    How to Apply and Enroll?
     

     1. Submit the ACE Scholars online application and pay the $50 application fee.
     2. Upload the required documents: academic transcripts (minimum 3.0 GPA equivalent), proof of English proficiency, 1 recommendation letter, and 1 personal essay.
     3. Complete the ALEKS Math Placement test if necessary after admission.
     4. Register for up to 6 classes in total. Continuing ACE Scholars can register early for the next quarter.
     5. Request official college transcripts from Shoreline College after completing the ACE Scholars Program.

    Admission to the ACE Scholars Program is selective and based on demonstrated academic readiness. Students with high school grades below 75% may not be admitted. 

    Please email international@shoreline.edu for any questions

    What Classes Can I Take?

    ACE Scholars can earn college credit by taking up to any 6 classes from the list below at Shoreline College. We have also included equivalent AP classes for easy comparison.
     

    Shoreline College Classes
    (earn 5 quarter credits per class)
    Equivalent AP Classes
    (earn credit with an exam score of 4 or 5)
      English 101   AP English Language
      Psychology 100  AP Psychology
      Economics 201  AP Microeconomics
      Economics 202  AP Macroeconomics
      Math 142  AP Pre-Calculus
      Math 151  AP Calculus AB
      Math 152  AP Calculus BC 
      Math 146  AP Statistics
      Physics 221  AP Physics C (Mechanics)
      Computer Science 141  AP Computer Science 


    When Can I Start?

    Spring Quarter 2026
    Orientation begins: March 23
    First day of classes: April 1
    Final exams end: June 17

    Summer Quarter 2026
    Orientation begins: June 22
    First day of classes: July 1
    Final exams end: August 20

    Fall Quarter 2026
    Orientation begins: September 14
    First day of classes: September 23
    Final exams end: December 10

    Winter Quarter 2027
    Orientation begins: December 28
    First day of classes: January 6
    Final exams end: March 24