She might actually do well at a community college…and then could transfer to a four year school in MA to complete her bachelors. This could be a good route for her.
Or as others have suggested…look a the other four year public universities in MA…not UMass Amherst, where she has a good chance of acceptance…and your instate costs to attend would be modest.
And do look at Keene State.
I’d also add that your daughter’s college experience may be much better all around if she is at a school that is a good fit for her academically and socially. It provides an opportunity where your daughter has a good opportunity to explore interests without being overwhelmed by workload or a competitive student body, and there is room for her to excel if she discovers an area of passion. She’s likely to form stronger relationships with faculty in that context as well.
Plus, unlike classmates who have their heart set on a top-20 university, if your d. applies to a college with rolling admissions, she can have her answer and her place secured early in the year, allowing for a relaxing senior year – none of that angst about April 1.
My son didn’t know for sure which college he was applying to ED until the last two days. His GC was very helpful to let him switch schools.
He didn’t do his essays until the same month they were due.
I think the most important thing to find out is if she really wants to go to college, then if her heart is set on a particular college. If the answer to the first is “not sure,” consider helping her find out about other options ASAP so she can get on her applications in late September if she decides to apply to colleges. If the answers are “yes” and “not really,” I agree that considering community college is a good idea.
I’m not sure how my next will be. He seems not that interested in actually going to college, but thinks he has to. I don’t see him in the working world at 18, so maybe the two of us will go on a trip across America the summer after his senior year…
Community college is nothing to be ashamed of. I do think there is a bias against it on the east coast. I may elf went to CC and transferred to a state U. My life has been fine:-)
The OP should,check to see about articulation agreements the community colleges have with the four year universities in Massachusetts.