Pennylane2011

I meant moving to some place like Alaska where it's hard to travel home and you'd never see them, but Atlanta, anywhere in GA, a nearby state, or anywhere near an airport would be OK. I said this mainly because we moved far away when my parents were younger and healthier, but as they got older, being very far away with aging parents makes it a little harder to visit - they can't travel to you. That may actually be something they fear- not seeing you as they get older, so you can reassure them that you will visit when you can. Many families have managed distance, but they don't know any who have.
Still- this should not stop you from achieving your goals and you can move where you need to go. I just meant it as a glimpse into the future. Atlanta would be good.
I guess A Beka will graduate you on time and you have done well. Maybe take the ACT again. Look at all you state options first- as you have, and any option that may offer you aid or be affordable.
Your parents seem to be parenting much like their generation did, and roles for women in their time were different so they may not understand. I know of a student who was in a similar position and it was very hard. She did graduate however- with work study, loans, although I don't know all the details. I hope there's a way.

It's a different time. Change is hard. Hang in there and hang on to your dreams.

OHMomof2

Absolutely look at these. In the case of Berea, I know, tuition is 100% free if you are accepted and your Pell and other aid can go toward room and board, if needed, but most kids work that off with the work-study program there. In rural GA you are in the target area for Berea, too, esp if in north GA but perhaps even if not in the mountains per se. Berea is a beautiful college with caring teachers and gives low income kids a truly unique opportunity.

I believe Ozarks is similar.

happymomof1

Here is the link to more information on the various "work colleges" including Berea, Ozarks, etc. Welcome to the Work Colleges Consortium! | http://workcolleges.org

Perhaps one of them will work well for you.

Pennylane2011

Berea sounds great, also Ozarks. On the work college list is Warren Wilson. It's in Western NC, not too bad a drive from Atlanta and closer to northern GA. Another school not on the list but nearby is Mars Hill College which has a zoology program. The schools may not have animal science as a major, but many are in areas close to wildlife centers (one in Asheville) and most colleges have internships where you can work in zoos, or with animals. Columbia College in SC has several scholarships, a "Momentum" for high achieving women who's ability exceeds their scores, A church or community leader can nominate someone for this, and merit for ACT scores of various levels. If you could raise yours some, you could get significant merit aid. It's a women's college. Columbia SC has a zoo. Another women's school- Salem College gives awards for ACT >24. Agnes Scott is ACT/SAT optional. If application fees are an issue, contact the school. They may offer a fee waiver in certain situations.

There are not a lot of choices with an animal science major- and they tend to be at large state schools. The choices get wider if you consider a school that gives you the basic pre-reqs and then get the animal experience though internships, jobs with farms or veterinarians, summer classes at a state school and so on. Being creative may get you an affordable college education.