I don’t think you understand about the universities in the US. Hearing a bunch of names and assuming things about the “prestigious” colleges isn’t going to help you. You need to research these universities online. Every college is very different from every other college.
NEED BLIND means that when they read your application, they don’t look at your request for financial aid. (That’s usually in another office). It doesn’t mean that later on, you’re going to get financial aid. It just means that they only look at your academic information when making a decision. They may accept you, but financial aid may give you zero funding. It happens a lot with international students. They get accepted but they aren’t given any funding, so a number of internationals can’t attend because they don’t have the money.
The universities in the US have to meet certain standards. From my experience, there are some very strong in-state public and private universities; it isn’t just a handful of colleges that are good and will challenge you. There are over 4000 colleges and universities. It sounds like you’re basing “challenge” according to an often repeated name or location.
You want to hand out water bottles to policeman? Do you think they all hang out together somewhere? I have lots of friends from high school that are/were officers in local police departments, or California Highway Patrol. In California, they patrol in cars. They are very busy during their shifts. Don’t assume that what you see on TV is what real life is like in the states.
Pepperdine is a small private college that happens to be on the beach. It happens to be very, very conservative. It is very expensive. You’re required to have 12 confirmed spiritual activities per semester. Being on the beach doesn’t mean you get full sun; California gets a lot of fog on the coast. You may not see sun all day. Malibu is not a flat topography and doesn’t really have a lot in the way of commerce. Lots of cliffs, private property and some poor access to the ocean. It’s meant to be reserved and residential.