Quality of Life, Physics, UCSD vs UCSB

[bboyed]

<p>hello everyone! well the title basically says all, i just want to hear everyone's opinion about making this though choice</p>

<p>My major at both schools are Physics(with a specialization in astrophysics at SD)
I am 80% positive that i will do astrophysics later in life and so probably will need a master degree or phd
so my main goal is to maintain good gpa while having a very happy college experience and making good friends</p>

<p>One thing that i am really curious is: <em>is the physics department at UCSB really amazing and prestigious!? worth turning UCSD down?</em> and will SB offers me a good preparation for applying grad school!?</p>

<p>UCSD
pros: overall it's more prestigious
cons: i am pretty afraid of the socially dead reputation becoming true</p>

<p>UCSB
pros: good physics program and probably one of the best college experiences one could possibly have?
cons: maybe not as prestigious as SD?</p>

<p>i am really confused right now... I am leaning toward UCSD only because it's academic reputation but a bit worried about the social scene
i imagine myself being happier at UCSB... but at the same time i am wondering is it really not academically strong enough
so i want to hear people's thoughts about it!
thank you!</p>

[astrina]

<p>Science PhD programs aren’t snobby about your academic pedigree. They’ll happily take a UCSB grad w/tons of practical experience over a Harvard grad w/a pretty GPA and nothing else. In my current grad program, we’ve got kids hailing from the Ivies, the UCs, the CSUs, and tiny little parochial colleges that nobody’s ever heard of. And the greatest part? One’s alma mater does nothing to predict how good of a grad student s/he will become.</p>

<p>Go where you’ll be happy and do well.</p>