Son is trying to decide between these two schools. He likes both campuses and locations. UCLA is higher ranked overall, but for Physics, UCSB has a great reputation as well. Would love to get feedback from anyone attending (undergraduate) either one of these fine schools. Eventually, the goal is to get a Ph.D. in Physics. Thanks!
Depending on his potential sub-specialty or study-area, UCLA is a generally the better choice.
Although I’m somewhat biased as I have relatives in that department, UCLA provides more research possibilities, as well as more sub-specialty options for undergrads than does UCSC, making it easier to work with professors and get names in research papers, leading to more grad options.
This is not to downgrade SB which like many of the other UC’s is a great school for physics, but given the choice, LA would likely provide a better path to grad school than SB.