Go TO USC or Go To Penn State?

One thing adding to your confusion is the lack of a standardized test scores. Once received, I will recommend a variety of schools to you which are likely to offer you significant merit aid–assuming that you score high.

Your college list is too narrow & inappropriate as UCs are unrealistic for a couple of reasons including cost.

How many students in your graduating class ? If 18, then class rank is a problem; but if 180 or more, then class rank is a plus.