Research the program by finding information from the schools' websites, talking with your advisors, and during an interview at the school. You should look for:
- Successful research faculty and graduate students who
- publish papers about their research in peer-reviewed scientific journals
- obtain grant funding to support their research
- receive recognition from their peers for their research such as awards and honors
- attend scientific meetings and present their research findings at those meetings
- have a track record of training successful students and/or research fellows
- are enthusiastic and passionate about their work
- Many opportunities for research related to your science interests
- Collaborative environment
- Challenging, up-to-date curriculum
- Career counseling
- Excellent research facilities and state of the art laboratories
You should also consider the geographic location of the School to determine if that location will fit your interests and needs. Not only should the location allow for ample opportunities and resources for your education, it should also provide for your social needs.
You should also look at:
- The structure and organization of the school/program
- Is it interdisciplinary or are the programs organized along departmental lines?
- The ability to both choose and change (if necessary) laboratories/departments
- Academic and non-academic supports for students
- Program size (student/faculty ratio)