What do You Look for in a Grad School besides, location, education quality and financial aid/?

[rosselyn]

I have narrowed down the school that have good faculty, that have the field I am interested in, that have award degrees in the fewest years, that have good financial packages, that are in locations that I like but that still leaves 50+ schools to choose from. What other factors did you consider when choosing the school to enter. I am would like to study molecular biology.

[cristos41]

I have narrowed down the school that have good faculty, that have the field I am interested in, that have award degrees in the fewest years, that have good financial packages, that are in locations that I like but that still leaves 50+ schools to choose from. What other factors did you consider when choosing the school to enter. I am would like to study molecular biology.

[cystenian]

Awarding degrees in the fewest years shouldn't be a factor of consideration, especially in the sciences. A PhD takes as long as it takes - if they hurry their students out the door, they're graduating people who can't find jobs - don't have enough publications, haven't established themselves in the field, haven't done a rigorous piece of research, haven't made connections. Sometimes taking the extra year or two to ensure a great postdoc is worth it.

I think you should be considering other things - what's the atmosphere like? Some very competitive schools can be miserable to work at. Do the grad students socialize? How are their interactions with their advisers? Don't choose a possible adviser based on how they look on paper - I did that the first time, and had to switch fields and schools to get away because we got along so horribly. I have a great adviser now, but I'm glad I finally learned that how the faculty and students interact can make or break your career. Go visit some of these schools and talk to students.

[tiburon77]

Look at the percentage of graduates the get a job within 6 months of graduation and at average salaries of recent graduates.

Go visit the schools and meet with some current students and see which ones are treated better, and which ones have nicer facilities.