Hello! Prospective Davis student here. I received acceptances from both UC Davis and UC San Diego earlier today, and I couldn’t be more ecstatic. These were my two preferred UC’s. I’m not expecting to get into UCLA or Berkeley (although I don’t know yet), so for now I’m trying to narrow my options down between these two. At Davis, I signed up as an Environmental Policy Analysis and Planning major, and at San Diego, Environmental Systems - Environmental Policy. I’m very set on going to Davis because I’ve heard great things about their environmental programs and overall department, but my parents want me to go to UCSD (or a private school) simply because it’s higher ranking. As far as I’m aware though, Davis has a better department for my major than San Diego. Which should I pick? Any thoughts or comments would be very helpful – thank you! 
UCD’s Environmental programs are higher ranked than UCSD. UCSD may be higher ranked overall, but if you love Davis, I would definitely take UCD over UCSD. Older son is 2nd year at UCD as an Environmental Science and Resource Management major and has found the classes challenging, volunteer and internships opportunities many and the campus overall a great experience. You need to look at the individual majors ranking more than the overall ranking. Tell your parents that you should go to the best school academically for your specific major. You will get a great education at both, but tell them to look at the Environmental program rankings specifically.
Hi! I’m in the exact same situation as you, @tyranitarus ! Same major and everything. It’s actually kind of freaky, haha. I’m also waiting to hear back from LA and Berkeley, as well as privates, but for the moment, I’m choosing Davis over SD. After showing my parents that Davis is ranked much higher for my major, they understood that Davis would be a better fit for me, though SD is closer to my home. Good luck in making your decision! 
And thank you, @Gumbymom, for sharing your son’s experience!
@citylightstroll - holy cow, I can’t believe there’s someone in the exact same position!! Even the proximity to SD vs Davis holds the same, and I’m waiting for LA/Berkeley and privates too. I’m glad I have someone who’s going through the same thing I think I’m going to end up going to Davis (after persuading the parents a little further, hehe) and if you go to Davis, message me or something! Chances are we’re going to have classes together if we’re the same major, right?
@Gumbymom thank you so much for your insight! I’ll definitely show them some more statistics and rankings before making a decision. It’s great to hear that Davis offers such a great curriculum!
@tyranitarus: Sounds good! It would be nice to have a buddy in the same major/classes. And best of luck in persuading your parents. Right now, I’m only very seriously considering one other private school–Scripps College–but if the finances don’t work out for that school, then I’ll be headed to Davis!