Should I choose UCLA over UCSD and UCSB for transfer?

[physucsc11]

First I would like to introduce myself: I am a 2nd year physics major at the University of California, Santa Cruz, and have applied and got accepted to UCLA, UCSD, and UCSB for transfer. Even though I have only begun studying physics, I think my interests are directed towards the more applied areas of physics. Particularly I have been thinking about pursuing biophysics.

My dilemma is which school to choose. I know that the common answer is "it doesn't really matter where you go as an undergrad." However, I believe this is only partly true. First off, I think that various schools offer different levels of the quality in education. Second of all, I think that some schools have more opportunities in certain areas of physics than other. Now I don't know much but it seems that UCSD has a lot of opportunities in biophysics. However, I want to go to UCLA more because of the campus, location, and my physics introductory sequence would transfer better there than UCSD or UCSB.

So do you guys have any helpful advice? Does anyone know any specifics as to which school can really offer the best undergraduate physics education and provide for good research opportunities in biophysics? Also, I do wish to have good grades when I graduate, so which school do you think would be the most competitive in physics and biology/chemistry courses?

 

[quadraphonics]

My (limited) experience is that the reputation of biophysics at UCSD is well-founded. Also, while I can see preferring to live in LA than SD, I don't really see why you'd prefer one campus over the other. Unless you have some kind of affinity for squirrels over bunny rabbits. The area surrounding the campus is a lot more student-friendly at UCLA than UCSD, certainly, but as far as the campuses themselves go...

 

[mgiddy911]

I agree wih UCSD's reputation however would disagree about livin in LA over SD.
However that bein said I would recommend you to think hard about where you would rather live, ie. don't choose UCSB if you really do not like Santa Barbara and can't see yourself having a good time.

I personally prefer SD to LA, I think SD is a really scenic place.