<p>Carrie, it sounds like you don’t really have better options right now. You could apply to transfer – but it’s probably too late for next fall. So here are some suggestions, for what it’s worth:</p>
<p>(1) Try to get involved in something outside of school, either a job, volunteer work, or an affordable hobby that you really enjoy. You wrote “the education is fine” – so keep in mind that the education part is your number #1 goal. Your life does not have to revolve around school. Find another outlet in your life to fulfill your emotional needs.</p>
<p>(2) Try to line up a summer job. The earnings from a job may increase your options, and working may help clarify your goals. If you really like your job, then you can consider taking a break from college to work; if you don’t like the job, then you will probably feel better about returning to school in the fall.</p>
<p>(3) Start thinking about grad school. It may not be in the cards for you financially to attend a different college, but grad school will be a different story. </p>
<p>(4) Explore study abroad offerings or campus exchange programs that your school may offer, and find out whether your financial aid will pay the costs of those programs. You may not be able to get away from your college entirely, but you might be able to spend a semester or a full academic year somewhere else.</p>
<p>I know this may feel like a step down but certainly would be affordable (must be less than Boulder) and may have a different vibe is Colorado State Univ.</p>
<p>Why not try Regis? Very nice small Jesuit school that you could also probably commute. Not sure what they offer for transfer scholarships but may be just the different feel you are seeking. Very different than boulder.</p>
<p>We looked at a few Colorado schools with my son a few years ago and looked at both Boulder and Regis along with a few others. Regis was the polar opposite of Boulder in so many ways. The people there also were so friendly and accommodating. They really worked with my son and our family to figure out how we could make this work financially if he chose to go there. He decided in the end not to attend because he decided to major in something they don’ t offer, but for your situation it may very well be worth a look. If it is close enough for you to commute you could continue to save the money you are saving now on housing. If you visit and like it, it certainly would be worth a meeting with financial aid. Maybe it could work for you.</p>
<p>I haven’t read the earlier threads, but frankly, your chances of getting into a GENUINE “meets full need” school with a 29 on the ACT were very low, unless you were hooked, which I gather you are not. So I wouldn’t waste to much time second-guessing yourself.</p>
<p>It sounds to me like you need to move out of your parents’ home into a dorm or an off-campus apartment with other students so that you can participate in college life more fully. If, of course, you can swing it financially. Failing that, the advice you have been given about finding ways to become involved and make connections outside of your family home are good ones. </p>
<p>Of course, if CSU would be an affordable option, and if the level of education would be satisfactory, that would be another alternative.</p>
<p>One other important thing: as an English major, it is going to be particularly important that you have internships/jobs/volunteer experience in areas in which you may wish to make a career. Throwing yourself into something like the college newspaper or radio station would also help you make connections.</p>