@Flatscreengamer you will need to read each school’s web page for their specifics on portfolio submission. Be sure to read the directions closely and follow them faithfully. In general the art/design schools will want your portfolio to include some observational work which might consist of self-portraits and/or landscapes. They may wish to see some sketches and even some of your sketchbook. Most of your portfolio will be submitted as images via Slideroom.
Regardless of what you submit, make it your voice and your own artistic style. Even those with little skill should be able to demonstrate this. Being yourself is the only theme you should worry about.
Some schools value observational and figure drawing as a major criterion for admissions while others recognize that many contemporary creatives have never taken a pencil to paper so will look at other creative work more closely. That’s ok - research what the school is looking for and find the ones that you think will accept your current talents and help you achieve your goals. These schools write all about that on their websites so you will learn a lot just by reading those.
Two very practical things to keep in mind: 1) no reproductions; and 2) no anime. They want to see original work in your own voice and style.
Most schools realize that some students may not have an opportunity for decent training at the high school level. They aren’t looking for the most accomplished artist as much as the art student who is most willing to learn. Hard work will be a minimum! A BFA program is an intensive studio experience and you will be critiqued every step of the way. Having said all this, the stronger the portfolio the higher the merit aid. Academics will matter, all else equal, but the portfolio matters the most for the overwhelming majority of schools.
Keep in mind that there are university programs that do NOT require a portfolio at entry level. You apply sometime after freshman year to the major and that’s the time you submit your portfolio (and you will have taken some art and design courses by then). However, the most notable programs typically require the portfolio at entry level and those that don’t will typically strongly encourage you to submit one nonetheless.
Check out the National Portfolio Day schedules this fall and take your work to be assessed. Here’s the link: http://www.portfolioday.net
Hopefully you’ll find a portfolio day near you. You can typically find last year’s schedule online to see which schools attended. That way you can target some schools of interest and hit them up first. Many use this resource to put the finishing touches on their portfolio before final submission.
Lots of schools provide lots of merit money (not much need-based aid other than federal grants and loans). Not sure if being bi-sexual is exactly a hook at an art college but you can always give it a try 
Edit/addendum: Just remembered you are also an immigrant. If you are classified as “international” you may not be eligible for merit-based aid. You’ll need to check with the school. Not sure what the status of federal need-based aid is currently for immigrants - might depend on your status. You should definitely be in contact with the school on this issue to get guidance.
Good luck to you!