<p>It is certainly exciting that several UCSB faculty members have received Nobel prizes. The Physics program is very highly regarded.</p>
<p>As far as whether that actually translates to a better program for undergraduates is not clear. I recently read an article about the new Nobel Laureates in a newspaper, and found out that all, except the economist, do no teaching. The article continued with a discussion of how several UCs, notably UCSD, UCSB and UCI are focusing the bulk of their resources on 1 or 2 areas, with the idea that would boost their overall standings. That is working. It may also mean increased funding coming into the department, with increased opportunities for those within those majors. So, I would suggest you consider what you want to study.</p>
<p>By most rankings, UCD edges out UCSB, but they are quite close. </p>
<p>In the most recent research funding statistics, UC Davis: $426.3 million versus UC Santa Barbara: $143.9 million. UCD's large jumps in research funding over the last few years results in many undergraduate research opportunities and internships. In fact, more students at UCD complete such programs than at any UC or even any other university. </p>
<p>With your stats you may be offered a Regent's Scholarship at Davis, which would mean a minimum of $7500 merit scholarship per year (or full need met, if more than that), priority registration so that you can always get the classes you want, an opportunity to live in an Honors dorm, in the nicest new dorms on campus, reserved for Regents scholars and take the required GE courses only with other top students in small seminar style course, etc. If money is any consideration, you might want to apply to several UCs and compare what they offer you in return. (Regent's scholarships to Berkeley and UCLA have higher cutoffs, and require not only considerable ECs but strong leadership - and the Regent's $$ and perks are not nearly as extensive). I'm not as familiar with the UCSB Regent's program.</p>
<p>All are fine choices.</p>
