I am currently a senior in high school, and I have been studying mathematics for about nine or ten years now in my personal time outside of school. I am not familiar with academia or in general higher education, but I do know that I want to continue studying mathematics or something in a related area.
I am having a lot of trouble pinning down which universities I should consider going to, I don't think I am even ready to start comparing, so despite the 'softness' and vague nature of this question I feel I don't really have any where else to start then by asking which universities should I be looking into for mathematics?
I have read many articles that rank schools according to some criteria, articles with titles like "Top Universities for Mathematics" or "Best Mathematics Programs", but I really want to get the opinions of people who study mathematics frequently. Any school suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I am trying to gather a list so don't hestiate.
I live in California and am willing to go anywhere on the planet, so location is not a problem for me.