<p>I know many many international students in California from my church. Most of them were not able to make it to any top college by the time they graduated from high school because the international admission is simply too competitive or they just can't afford to go (they usually don't get a good financial aid package). Most of these people I know don't have green cards or citizenship, so it's just very very tough for them no matter what. However, after studying in a CCC for a year or two, they are all able to transfer to UCs like Berkeley, LA, Irvine...etc. Not like these people who always have to struggle for their immigration status, you are REALLY lucky to have US citizenship and you have a good chance because you are not considered international! (Trust me on that since I myself checked all these things when I was applying to schools) However, it's still pretty hard for out of state students in the US to get into Berkeley. So now, all you need is the California residency which only takes a year to get. I came to US after I finished 10th grade in a nother country. Luckily, I got green card right after I landed in the US and then lived in California ever since. I was considered as a state resident when I applied to Berkeley. In the end, I received a full scholarship from Berkeley (they paid for everything and even gave me around $2000 for living expenses/semester which I used mainly to buy clothes). I have 0 loan and will graduate without any debt.... and all these would have been impossible had I not been a green card holder. </p>
<p>Again, good luck to you and feel free to PM me if you have questions : )</p>