Multiple questions about college stuff, strictly to be answered by people who know what they're talking about!

1. I'm 20 (21 when school starts), I've tried two different colleges, one was too far from where I was living and the other was way too expensive (esp. because I had no idea what I wanted to do.) I want to go back to a community college, but I do not have the financial support from my mother. Is there a way I can get financial aid without saying she was a bad parent (she's not willing to get loans)?

2. Is there some sort of aptitude test that can show me my strong points, and help me possibly pick a career and major?

3. Are there programs out there to help homeless young adults (such as myself) get housing, bus passes, and help with books?

4. Should I take the SAT or ACT tests?

5. I have a G.E.D. (College of Marin), how do I obtain a copy of it?

6. What California Community college has the best programs to help homeless young adults, obtain a higher education?

I'm not an idiot or anything, just a little slow and A.D.H.D.

PLEASE LIST ALL REFERENCES FOR POINTS!

1. thats why i don't want to sign papers saying i was in an abusive home, because I wasn't... I was told by the financial aid person, that if i'm under 24 I had to obtain my mother's tax information and that she would at least have to co-sign.

I've never taken an ACT or SAT test.

1. Take out loans in your own name. You can do that after age 18. She's not a bad parent for not wanting to finance your third attempt at college. That's got to be expensive.

2. Plenty. However, they often don't agree with each other. Try getting the general education requirements out of the way and narrowing down your choices. Do you like math? Science? Engineering? Finance? Working with people? Reading? Animals? Blood?

3. Take out loans. You can pay for housing and transportation and food with them as well as college. Or you could get a job and work part-time while attending college.

4. Haven't you already if you've attended two schools? No need to repeat them for community college; they take pretty much everyone.

5. Email/call them and ask.

6. Wherever housing is cheap. Not Berkeley, San Francisco, or LA.

1. I know you don't want to hear it, but your mother not wanting to take out loans does not make her a bad parent. When I went to college, I took out the loans myself specifically so my parents wouldn't face that burden. If you're old enough to go to college and live on your own, then foot the bill yourself.
2. I took a test as a freshman in college and it was crap. It said because I liked architecture and design but didn't have strong math skills I should be a roofer--No help.
3. See a counselor at the school you select and explain your situation when filling out the financial aid forms. Room and board should be covered in tuition. Loans should cover the rest.
4. I believe SAT scores are required for admission. ACT is usually optional.
5. Contact the college

May I suggest that you limit your questions to one topic at a time? Few people have the patience to read 6 questions and you have no business burdening them with that task. As for your mother being a bad parent, at 21 the responsibility for education lays on your shoulders, not hers. And you have flitted away three years without any accomplishment, Just what motivation do you need? The rest of your life is in your hands and you have to decide the course you will take.