Well, UCSB accepts 51% of its applicants, while UCSD, from what I remember, accepts 41%

I like to refer to the acceptance rates to see which schools are better. =)

Well, UCSD has an excellent psych (check the link). However, the campus’ onus is placed mostly on academics. If you want a little bit more fun and a good UC, UCSB has a great balance, probably fourth best amongst UCs, behind BErkeley, LA and SD. UCSB has one of, if not the nicest campus amongst all the UCs. UCSD also is very nice but not as good. SD will probably have much more stuff to do, they have a few pro teams (Chargers, Padres) and is a couple hours away from LA. I think with your question, UCSB would fit the beginning but the academic part would be UCSD. in your case, SD would fit better if you really were passionate about psych.

UCSB. i live in SD and its just boring most of the time