When you open a credit card line for the first time they usually give you a pretty high credit score based on your parent's score. If your parent's credit score is low, then they think you will also be. If your parent's doesnt own any credit cards, then your starting score will be over 700.
What you can do is apply for a credit card (You don't even need a ssn to apply) and use 30% of the total credit line.. pay for it in full before the end of the month, within a year you should have a wonderful credit score allowing you to get a car or a house depending on your state laws.