Hi there 
I’m a British student looking to apply to US universities this fall/winter, in order to go next year.
Im completely in love with the idea of attending college in California but I’m aware that I’m probably limiting myself and will have to look at other states too. My situation is very complicated and there aren’t many people around to offer advice in my country so if I tell you guys my situation could you tell me what universities in Cali that I have a chance at? I’ve done a lot of research but obviously I’m not native so I guess you guys could tell me which ones I have the best shot at.
I’m 21, dirt poor, no savings and in my practice tests I’m getting a 1900 in my SAT so far (still got time to study before my SAT so it may go up) and I guess a 4.0 GPA if I’ve calculated it correctly.
If you don’t know how it works over here, I’m re-doing my A-Levels with a private learning company (they send material and provide tutor support over the internet) which are qualifications that we do for two years before attending university.
I messed up my exams for my first year because I was ill so I’m re-sitting next year but my tutors predict A’s, hence the 4.0 GPA.
The thing is, I’ve struggled with mental illness for most of my life. I’ve always been told that I’m bright but my illnesses were the cause of my terrible grades all throughout my secondary education. About a year ago I completely recovered and decided to make up for my past mistakes and re-do my A-levels and apply to US universities. I’ve made a complete turnaround and I’m 100% confident that I could cope at university, but will the admissions see it this way? Shall I include this in my applications? I don’t want to be seen as making excuses but will they see that I’ve turned myself around and that I’m now getting good grades?
My dream university is the University of Southern California. I’m also looking at Long Beach and San Diego, but other than that I have no idea where else I may have a decent shot at. So if you guys could suggest some places that would be great.
Also, I also have no mentionable extra curricular’s because of said illness, and when I had a look at the application form on CollegeBoard for the University of Southern California, there was a box where they asked about extra curriculars. Nowhere is going to even consider me if they think I sit on my butt all day, right? And I can’t keep using mental illness as an excuse.
This is all very complicated and my post is super long but If you guys have some suggestions i’d love to hear them. Thanks