<p>So I've been out of school for a couple years and am in desperate need of getting back in. My HS grades were totally average, I went to community college and did ok, (3.2 avg I think?) but I dropped out before getting an associate's. My SATs were above average, poor math but above average in critical reading and writing.</p>
<p>I'd like to go to a 4-year somewhere in or around Boston but I'm afraid with my lack of ECs, average overall grades, and my age (I'm 23) I'm sunk. On paper I don't look very good but put in the right environment I can be the student I know I am. I’m not Ivy League but I don’t want to end up at a diploma factory. I just need to be challenged.</p>
<p>I was a liberal arts major while at community college and took an amalgam of classes but feel like liberal arts just further plagued me with indecision. I took a sculpture course and excelled like never before (I had never taken an art class until then) but the following semester I just kind of crashed so I'm not sure if I have what it takes to be an artist.</p>
<p>Any ideas on where I should consider or have I missed my opportunities? </p>
<p>(On a side note-If I did want to get into an art school could I take some of their continuing education courses and then apply once my portfolio is bigger?)</p>
<p>(Edit- travel abroad is also something I'd like to have the opportunity to do)</p>
<p>“Diploma factory” is a misnomer - in every university, even the very large ones, a student with some initiative can get an excellent, tailored experience. </p>
<p>I say that, because with your background a school like U Mass would be a very good option: most of your community college credits will transfer, and the school is big enough so that you will find plenty students your age. It’s also a school that is large enough for you to continue taking many different kinds of classes - since you’re still unsure what you want to major in. And yes, it does have study abroad options.</p>
<p>I ask because these searches always need to start with the issue of money. It’s unlikely private colleges or public colleges in another state will be affordable, so most in your shoes, unless you have some way to pay in full, look at their own state schools.</p>
<p>Until you’re 24, colleges will look at both your and your parent’s income to determine any aid. After 24 it will be just yours, though they will expect you to have saved a lot from your earnings the year before you enter.</p>
<p>So start by looking at finances and good luck!</p>
<p>Since you want to study in the Boston area, why not move there, get a job, and work for the time required to establish in-state residence? About the time you have residence, you will be 24 and you won’t need your parents’ financial information in order to file the FAFSA. Living and working near Boston for that time will also give you lots of chances to check out the various educational options available.</p>
<p>1.)Stonehill College (MA) Small & Catholic affiliated. (not that close to Boston)
2.)Emmanuel College (MA) Small & Catholic affiliated.<br>
3.)Simmons College (MA) Residential campus for females only, some other programs are grad programs & are open to both sexes. </p>
<p>Living in the Boston area is quite expensive, even with roommates, parking a car is a hassle & you usually must pay your landlord for parking. One of my children lives in the Boston area & the cost is always an issue, but she loves it there. Usually you need to come up with a first month’s rent & a last month’s rent. </p>
<p>If you waited until you were 24 for financial aid purposes, maybe you could also land a residential job on campus & housing would not be an issue! Something to think about. Good luck to you!</p>
<p>In order to establish in-state residence, most states would require that you provide more than half of your own support. But it does vary by state (and sometimes even by institution), so you do need to investigate. Whether or not the job that allows you to earn enough money to be considered self-supporting enough to qualify as a bona fide in-state resident is “full-time” or “part-time” is immaterial.</p>