Yes, I know UCSC is great at astrophysics, but that is not my major. Physics =/= astrophysics.
Also, I am CCC transfer student, if that helps add context.
I know UCSB is fairly great at physics, and so is UCB. But I really love the idea of going to school next to the beach. UCSC also has a great campus, but me being from Southern California, I’m not sure how well the fit may be. I’m interested in knowing how strong the programs are at the school and if anybody has some details they can give on the campus vibes. To be honest I’m a bit more concerned with the campus atmosphere than anything since I know there won’t be that many differences within the programs themselves. Which schools have better opportunities for undergraduate research or professional internships for physics?
All of those schools are fine for physics as far as the programs go. With regards to undergraduate research UCSD, UCSB and UCB are the largest of the research Universities in the UC system but they are all good.
You really don’t have to worry about your choice. Any one of them will be fine.
Sorry, I can’t tell you that. My experience was as a Graduate student in physics at UCSD and it was many years ago. The campus have changed a lot since then.
I believe that undergrad physics research is fairly common at UCSB. I don’t have data, but you could call or email the departmental secretary. Or, look at the lab websites for professors who get significant research funding. They typically list some undergrad researchers after their postdocs and grad students.
I know several high school students who do research in physics and CS at UCSB, and they work with a number of undergrads. The lab I know most about as far as undergrads happens to be astrophysics, but I’m sure there are lots of other undergrads doing research.
I don’t have comparison anecdotes for UCSC or UCSD regarding undergrad research.
As far as the vibe, you don’t have to party at UCSB if you don’t want to and don’t live on Del Playa. There are plenty of smart, hard-working students.
If you are seriously interested in Physics, apply to CCS @ UCSB. I am not a student but I visited and researched it and they are a very focused honors program only kind of college for academically intense and self-driven students. In particular, their Physics program is extremely well regarded. Getting into CCS is more competitive than getting into UCSB CLS. You have to apply for CCS in addition to submitting the UC application. https://ccs.ucsb.edu/how-to-apply/applying-to-physics. Best of luck.