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Rush spring. For fraternity rush, visit as many chapters as possible early on. I know on my campus there is a day when every fraternity has to stay on campus. After that day pick your top fraternity to rush and also have a back-up. Pick it based on where you fit in.
You asked about the top fraternities at UCSB. If you don't know by now then, I hate to say it, you might not be the best fit for those chapters because it probably means you have not been associating with anybody in that social circle (guys or girls). So be yourself when picking where to rush. Especially at UCSB, if you are not the super athletic, outgoing, "SoCal" style type of guy there are still plenty of chapters where you will fit in so don't waste time only rushing those chapters that have that type of guy.
When you are rushing make sure to meet as many people in the chapter as possible, but also make sure you are talking to each brother long enough to make an impression. Every fraternity bidding process is different but there will almost definitely be open discussion about pro's and cons of each rushee so if you meet a lot of people you will have multiple brothers saying something specific which is usually a good sign. Additionally, even if a brother doesn't like you (unless they need 100% to get a bid) if you've met lots of brothers then his one negative comment will be washed out by all the others.
Don't fake anything. If the brothers are talking about the business plan of a particular company or sports stats of a team you are totally unfamiliar with don't chime in with useless comments or try to pretend you also know what they are talking about. Do try to steer the conversation towards something you can talk comfortably about. It is important to remember, however, that what they talk about during rush is no different then what they talk about when rush is over. So if you have nothing to add to any of the conversations take that as a sign that maybe this might not be the chapter for you.
Lastly, rush is supposed to be dry but for many chapters you may be asked to go to after-parties. Obviously alcohol will be available. If you drink normally then drink but not to excess. There is nothing more annoying than a really drunk rushee who is making a fool of himself.
Good luck! I have several friends in both fraternities and sororities at UCSB and they all seem like they have a great time.
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