OP is living in a New Jersey neighborhood that (understand) isn’t conducive to studying and, I’m guessing, is gritty and unsafe for its denizens. For instance, open would not be able to study in the library on campus, then go home at 8pm, because you’re not out on your own in the streets after sundown, event that means you’re in at 5pm in the Winter. Seeking to escape that neighborhood makes sense, especially considering most of the classes are remedial and students simply don’t transfer to any 4-year college. We’re not in a situation where cc+ flagship is in the cards. If op attends such a cc, research shows she’ll be among the casualties. As a lower income, less prepared student whose parents have not attended college, she’s better off attending a 4year college and living there in order to boost her odds of graduating. The problem is cost - in NJ, even cc 's are expensive, and instate tuition also is.
However, op needs to so her part and retake that sat or act test asap (after preparing) since it May well be counted for state scholarship eligibility if and only if, it’s taken before graduation.