Maybe target a few schools that he’s really interested in like 5 or 6. Maybe 2-3 UC’s or State schools and 3 reach schools that usually are generous with FA. Limit the number apps to make it doable this year. He might decide he wants to launch into school next year. If he doesn’t like his admission results he can always decline and take a gap year.
As for going too far away from home is that the best thing for him? I don’t know but you seem to be his support system and he might want to at least be in the same time-zone. Plus traveling far away can get expensive.
Agree about the “story”. It’s just a phrase. He sounds like he has plenty of interesting conversation points and doesn’t need to invent anything. He just needs to get them on paper.
There’s a great thread from the past few years by @HKimPOSSIBLE and his journey to college in-case you need some inspiration. You could just skip to the last page for the happy ending.
Good luck.