<p>Tyler, you are being WAY too picky and short sighted. First…the fact is, you have NOT applied yourself. So get cracking! The SAT score you are projecting…is that for two or three sections?</p>
<p>California has a wealth of more affordable and reachable In terms of acceptance schools for you. As noted, there are some in northern CA that certainly are very similar to those further north in different states.</p>
<p>Your mom has a point…you keep talking about what you coulda, shoulda, woulda do…but those things haven’t happened…yet.</p>
<p>I would strongly suggest you have a realistic talk with your mom about what she WILL pay for college each year. As a CA resident, if your income is below $80,000 a year, you are eligible for the Calgrant to some degree. I would strongly suggest you include at least two instate public universities on your list.</p>
<p>Head on over to the financial aid section of this forum…and read the thread about GUARANTEED merit scholarships. You will get a sense of what it takes to earn those…and see if one fits you.</p>
<p>Broaden your search to include schools that include at least two where you are definitely going to be accepted AND that you can afford AND that you would be willing to attend. Sure…include a reach, but be advised that what your mom says about the money needs to be listened to…if she can’t pay…you can’t go.</p>
<p>Talk to your school counselor…if the school has Naviance, that GC will be able to give you a ballpark on your chances of acceptance. With what you are posting right now, your two colleges are not sure admits for you…and likely are reaches.</p>
<p>Above all…do NOT believe that only one or two colleges are the ONLY possibilities for you. That is simply not true if you open your mind and really look.</p>