So, how do you evaluate whether or not a program is good for you? There are a bunch of things I could do for/with this topic. I could rattle off what I think makes a good program, or not, and I could compare that with my knowledge of existing programs. I could match together my interests with those of prospective graduate departments. OR I could just apply wherever it's free to apply and be happy with not spending money on applications.
So many possibilities.
Of course this is like a non-singular matrix solution, there are infinitely many solutions to choose from.
X=1, Match department interests with mine.
Pros: I get to be in a department that has a lot of people in my area of interest. If I pick an advisor that leaves, there are still many people left to fill his/her shoes in that area.
Cons: My growth as a mathematician may be limited by the department, depending on the area and how the department is set up. A predominately pure department may not have enough applied people in case I want to switch over. Also, if I don't know what my "area" is, this is extremely if not impossibly difficult to do.
Overall: Ideal if the situation is there. Student interested in Topology in a topology department???? Sounds great. Bad for those who don't know what they are into though...
X=2, Follow a "star"
Pros: I might get to work with someone who publishes a LOT, my name attached to theirs could be beneficial for future job prospects.
Cons: What if they don't give credit to my work or always put my name last (no matter how much of the work is actually mine)? What if they abuse their power and use me as a lacky forever and ever and I never get a Ph.D.? What if they leave and don't take me with them? What if they aren't taking on new students and I'm stuck in a department not working with the amazing person I went there for?
Overall: BAD idea, X=1 is better.
X=3, Find a department with lots of specialties and hope you hit the gold mine
Pros: Variety. Realize I go to a small liberal arts university. Resources, not big. I would LOVE to be in a department that had lots of people to work with in lots of different areas.
Cons: Hard for someone to settle down in one area. If you like a lot of things, it's hard to pick one thing that you can work with and be happy in. You might always question: is this the place for me?
Overall: Maybe this isn't the best option, even for those who don't know what they want to do.
So I'm stuck in the same place I was before...
Help?
- Vanes.
