Should I choose a graduate program based mainly on the professor or the research topic?
Rather than deciding on the university name alone, compare the supervisor’s expertise and advising style, the fit with the research topic you want to pursue, and the research environment in light of your own goals. Also consider the curriculum, facilities, costs, commuting conditions, and support for post-graduation paths.
Key points
- Review not only a professor’s research record but also their advising approach and student support.
- Check whether the topic fits your interests and whether needed facilities, materials, and collaborative research opportunities are available.
- Compare the curriculum, laboratory atmosphere, costs, and commuting conditions as well as the university’s name.
Things to check
- The factors to prioritize depend on your research goals, field, and personal circumstances.
- Supervision arrangements, facilities, and curricula vary by university, graduate school, department, and academic year; check official information and, where possible, ask faculty members or current students.