Deciding between UC Berkeley with Regent’s Scholarship and UCSB College of Creative Studies for undergraduate physics. Another factor is that I already live in Santa Barbara and know UCSB very well, but I’ve heard that you still get the college experience living on campus. I have also not decided if I want to go into graduate school or enter the industry afterwards.
Ok, well I’m not familiar with how it is being a Regent at Berkeley, but I know a couple Regent’s Scholars here. I also have quite a few friends doing CCS Physics right now and I know a ton of people in the college in general. Berkeley is a great school and may sound more prestigious, but you would probably feel less stimulated there, even as a Regent’s Scholar. CCS (as I’m sure you know), is ALL about the brain stimulation. The small classes (that are taught by engaging profs), the creative initiative, the freedom and power given to their students, etc. Regent’s Scholar’s (from what I know) get benefits (i.e priority registration, housing priority, faculty care more about you), a bunch of money, and seminars. All great things, but CCS students get all that (besides the money) and much more.
One huge difference between Berkeley and SB in general is the competition. So if you think you won’t enjoy a competitive environment (I’m assuming you’re smart enough to handle it), then CCS sounds like a no brainer to me. Granted, CCS is different. That’s what they are about. If you hate the idea of going out of your comfort zone, it might not be a good idea. They would also be much heavier on research than Berkeley. The profs would be much more willing to work with you (especially because you’d be in CCS). CCS students are kind of like gods on campus. If you mention you’re a CCS student, you gain a lot of respect.
I know I’ve probably said a lot of stuff you already know, but these are things I would more heavily consider in my decision. If you’re sorta indifferent even after that, maybe just choose based on location/atmosphere/culture/other more trivial concepts. Anyway, I hope I help you at least a little bit. We would love to have you here at UCSB! Our reputation is growing year by year, and you could contribute to that! Good luck on your decision.