FWIW, a “surprising” (and increasing) # of local “top tier” prep school “Top 20%” grads have picked UCLA last couple of years (In our LA metro area.) Previous to that, it would have been a real “settle” choice. (which I never understood… but there you go.) I do think even in CA UCLA is starting be seen as on par with Cal, simply by virtue of kids and parents seeing where “top” students are deciding to go. In some ways Westwood is more attractive than Berkeley to SD/LA metro kids - and if they don’t feel UCLA is a “step down” more and more top kids will pick it over Cal when given the choice. Cal still seems to be the international pick hands-down, though.
(as far as SC… WSJ/Times has USC at #15 for US Colleges, UCLA @ #25… hehe… - I love to play the “cherry-picking rankings game” too @UCBalumnus1 )