How to choose an advisor

Broad questions

• Is the faculty member in a position to share his/her time and advice?
• Does the faculty member have a reputation for producing quality research in a timely manner?
• Is the faculty member's current research area of interest to you and in keeping with your graduate study goals?

Specific questions

• Does the professor have the time to take you on as a doctoral student?
• Does the professor have the interest to take you on as a doctoral student?
• Is the demeanor/personality appealing and comfortable for your academic style and needs?
• Are there ongoing research activities in the professor's research group in the area of your doctorial interest?
• Have former graduate students of the professor had good experiences and completed their programs in a timely fashion?
• Are there sufficient research grants/projects available under the direction of the professor for you to find a suitable research area for a dissertation topic?
• Does the professor supervise appropriate space and laboratory equipment for you to have adequate space and equipment?
• Are there assistantships available to support you as a graduate student and what is the likelihood that they will remain available until you complete your program?
• Does the professor anticipate being at the university during the entire period of your planned program?
• Does the professor exhibit the ability to communicate openly, clearly, and effectively from your perspective?
• Does the professor have personal research papers, articles, books, etc. that you might review to gain additional insight into his/her research area?
• Does the professor have a history of giving proper attention to protege who work under his/her guidance?
• Among the faculty, university, and broader communities, is this professor known and respected for his/her research, writing, and publications?

Adapted from: H.G. Adams (1992), Mentoring: An Essential Factor in the Doctoral Process for Minority Students, National Center for Graduate Education for Minorities.