Accelerated College English (ACE) Program
The ACE Program is designed for students who want to study at the University of Cincinnati but their English skills are not strong enough for direct admission.
The Accelerated College English Program at UC (formerly named International Pathway Program) is a two semester program (one academic year) that provides English as a Second Language courses while also taking major-based classes that will count as credit towards their degree. After successfully completing the program, students are guaranteed full admission into their selected major.
Benefits of the ACE Program
- Take degree courses immediately and finish bachelor's degree in only 4 years.
- Easy application process.
- No extra cost! Students pay the same tuition as all Cincinnati's main campus programs.
- Participate in Cincinnati's world-renowned co-op program or other experience-based learning.
- Work with a dedicated ACE adviser to make sure students graduate on time.
- Enjoy all the benefits of the university, such as on-campus housing, access to libraries, the recreation center, dining halls, and more.
- Have class and make friends with other international students as well as domestic students.
- Earn scholarships once students complete the program.
The ACE Program offers 100+ majors across four academic colleges. You can find program options under the following colleges:
- College of Arts & Sciences (A&S)
- College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) (select majors, invitation-only)
- Carl H. Lindner College of Business (LCB) (Degree type = Bachelor of Business Administration)
- College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH) (major: Information Technology)
- College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (major: Fine Arts)
The ACE Program is integrated into each major; providing both intensive English language training and major-based classes for the first year at the University of Cincinnati. Students will be working closely with their academic advisers throughout the duration of the program to closely monitor progress and provide academic coaching/resources.
Once students complete the ACE Program, they will apply to transition into their major of choice. To see full course descriptions for each major, visit the undergraduate programs curriculum website.
Below is an example of an ACE student seeking a Bachelors of Science in Chemisty.
| Course Code | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Semester One | ||
| CHEM 1040L |
General Chemistry Laboratory I |
1 |
| CHEM 1040 |
General Chemistry |
4 |
| MATH 1040 | Applied Calculus I | 3 |
| ESL 1068 | Foundations of Academic Writing | 3 |
| ESL 1069 | Success in Undergraduate Writing | 3 |
| ESL 1071 | Basic Oral Presentation Skills | 3 |
| Total | 17 | |
| Semester Two | ||
| CHEM 1041L | General Chemistry Laboratory II | 1 |
| CHEM 1041 | General Chemistry II | 4 |
| MATH 1045 | Applied Calculus II | 3 |
| ESL 1070 | Intro into English Composition | 3 |
| ESL 1074 | Oral Presentation Skills | 3 |
| ESL 1076 | US Culture and Communication | 3 |
| Total | 17 | |
Deadlines
- Fall Semester: July 1*
- Spring Semester: November 1
*CCM ACE applications are only accepted for fall semester and must follow direct admission deadlines.
A student will be reviewed for admission once all of the following are received by the Office of International Admissions:
- High School Transcripts
- Official transcripts showing the current year's subjects and the previous 3 years' subjects are required. Transcripts should include a certified English translation (if needed). The International Pathway Program is only available to high school graduates enrolling as first-time freshmen.
- Online Application
- A&S and LCB Pathway students must apply via the online application.
- CCM Pathway students must apply via the Common Application and audition in order to be considered for admission.
- Applicants must submit their application and all required documents before the deadline.
- Financial Documentation
- In order to expedite the admissions decision, students must submit the Financial Certification Form along with required financial support documentation.
- Proof of Math Ability
- An official test of math score is required for students applying for Business ACE Program and is optional for all others. To be considered for scholarships, students must submit a test of math from the following:
- SAT-I (520)
- ACT (21)
- UC Math Placement Test (520)
- An official test of math score is required for students applying for Business ACE Program and is optional for all others. To be considered for scholarships, students must submit a test of math from the following:
- Proof of English Ability
- See chart below:
| Test | Direct Admission | Pathway |
|---|---|---|
| TOEFL | 66 | 50 14 Writing |
| IELTS | 6.5 | 5.5 5.0 Writing |
| ELS | 112 | 109 |
| SAT | 1060 | 980 460 Evidence-Based Reading & Writing |
| ACT | 21 | 19 18 English Composition |
| Duolingo | 95 | 75 |
| Cambridge | 169 | 162 Recommended exam: B2 First |
Students applying to the ACE Program pay identical tuition costs as students who are directly admitted. Tuition is assessed on full-time enrollment based on two semesters of study (one academic year).
| Current Academic Year | Cost |
|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees | $26,584 |
| Living Expenses (includes food, housing, travel, books, and international student fee) | $16,446 |
| Health Insurance | $2,464 |
| Total | $45,494 |
Scholarships
Students who complete the Math Placement Test (MPT) prior to Orientation and the ACE Program with a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher will receive a Global Scholarship, which will be renewable for the duration of the bachelor's degree.
Contact
Sarah Shepherd
ACE Program Manager