<p>I would suggest applying to USC because they seem to be very generous in scholarship money right now in an effort to attract good students. I was able to use an offer from there to obtain more money from another school. Also, Rice might be a good choice for you; it’s right next to the Texas Medical Center in Houston and is about $35,000 a year, less than most other selective private universities. It has a small student body of about 2500 undergrads.</p>
<p>I know that UT-Austin won’t take more than 75% of any program through the top 10% auto-admit state law, though they do admit others from in-state, so there may be more space available there than at other state public universities. If you do want to go there apply EARLY for housing.</p>
<p>Good luck in your college search; make sure you find a way to use your surely interesting experiences in your college essays.</p>