<p>Hey guys,
I already set my SIR deposit for UCSB a couple days ago and found out today that I got into UCLA off of the waitlist (physics). Now I'm posting this thread both in a UCSB and UCLA forum to see what responses I get. From a strictly academic point of view which one is better? I know that UCSB is ranked a bit higher overall in graduate physics programs (but does this apply to undergraduate?), and plus I got into the honors program at UCSB (and I recently applied to CCS physics- although I don't know whether I got in yet) but since I only have about two days to decide I am wondering what you guys think about physics at both of these schools. Even though I listed a bunch of pluses for UCSB, it's mainly because I haven't done a lot of research into UCLA (I didn't expect to get accepted off of the waitlist). </p>
<p>Any responses would be greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Both are great programs. Having known two people that worked at each campus the better program goes to ucsb, I mean they do have their own nuclear reactor and they are more hands on</p>
<p>Hey! I’m a current freshman at UCSB in the physics program. I got waitlisted at UCI and accepted here. Since I haven’t gone through the courses at UCLA, I can’t offer help there, but the physics program here is pretty cool. There are also guest lecturers from national universities every tuesday…AND you get small, specialized class sizes. <em>wiggle eyebrows</em>. Not bad. </p>
<p>Not to mention great beach weather errrryday and partying. xD</p>
<p>I’m also a Physics major here at UCSB. Personally, I got into both UCLA and UCSB for Physics and chose UCSB because the program is much much better, especially with regards to rankings of the program. Don’t get me wrong, UCLA is still a top notch school in everything including Physics. Just the program at SB is more highly regarded. Anyone can get into research as soon as they want. One of my fellow Physics friends here started research the Summer before his first year began. All of the professors are incredible, and are very welcoming with wanting to help you. There’s also KITP; even though it’s mainly used in more advanced research and such. Still, the research opportunities will more often than not help you in resume building at UCSB than at UCLA. Then again, the whole rankings and everything doesn’t really matter in the end if there isn’t any plan on taking part in research. So wherever you go, do research. Oh and if you do get into CCS, accept immediately. I am friends with all of the CCS Physics majors and they absolutely love it (it is the top undergraduate Physics program in the world, CalTech bases their program off of CCS haha).</p>
<p>Thanks for the responses! At this point I’m heavily leaning towards UCSB even with the prospect of getting denied admission to CCS because it looks like the physics opportunities here are much better. (at least I have honors program)</p>
<p>IMHO there is virtually no meaningful difference in the undergrad education offered between these two schools. You are going to take pretty much the same classes (since they are 2 UC campuses they even have the same course numbers!), your fellow students will be of similar intelligence in the Physics major, your classes will be the same size, etc, etc.</p>
<p>If you look for differences in outcomes among students you’ll find that its what the student does that makes the difference. How hard they work to learn the material, whether they get to know a few profs so they get the benefit of their advice (and personalized recs for grad school), whether they take part in research. Nobody is going to look over your shoulder to make sure you are working hard enough, nobody is going to tell you to come to their office hours, nobody is going to ask you to work on research in their lab. It’s all on your shoulders, but its what makes the difference in what you get out of your college years.</p>
<p>So since the 2 schools are quite different in atmosphere, I’d say go to the one you like best.</p>