Consider looking at some schools that have exceptional math programs, but are easier to get into. University of Iowa has a really good math program, but is relatively easy to get into. Check out this site to find safety schools that still have great math programs. http://college.usatoday.com/2014/10/08/top-10-colleges-for-a-major-in-math/
@strawberriess I am talking about merit aid. You can get need based aid in top school. You need to submit CSS (very detailed) and FAFSA. They will calculate your contribution towards total cost. Good thing is most top college will not have loan in that need based aid.
Who is a California resident?
A student is considered a resident for admissions purposes if he or she can answer yes to any of the following questions:
Have you attended high school in California for at least three years and will graduate or have graduated from a California high school?
Have you lived in California for the last 12 months?
If you’re under 18, does your parent or legal guardian live in California?
Is your parent, legal guardian, spouse or registered domestic partner an employee of the University of California or a UC-affiliated national laboratory?
Non-immigrants (students on a foreign/non-immigrant visa) are not eligible for California resident status for admissions purposes.