Best Research Groups?

Graduate School
1

<p>How does one find the best research groups in their area of interest? I know that the brand-name of the school doesn’t matter (much), but I have no idea how to find the best groups that fit my interests.</p>

<p>Everyone’s research always looks impressive, hardcore, etc, but how do I distinguish those who are doing good work from those who aren’t? At the graduate level, I’m sure the bar is raised and the quality is generally good, but how do you find the best?</p>

2

<p>Any advice on this would be much appreciated :)</p>

<p>I know there are several of you who were admitted to great programs this past year; how did you decide where to apply? Did you apply because it’s a well-known school (I hope not!)? How do you find the best school within your area of interest?</p>

3

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<p>Yes. I actually did apply to the school because it is well known (not the only reason, but being ranked #2 in your field helps). It has to be a balance of research, “fit” within the group, and school reputation. After all, you’re going to want to get a job right? Going to a school with great brand reputation helps. I heard a great quote, “Your resume is going to have two names on it, your’s and your school’s, the employer better have heard of one of them.” In engineering, it’s a bit of a moot point, because the best research programs are generally at the well known schools. </p>

<p>As far as finding out what programs to look at, I suggest two options. First will be the easiest: Talk to your advisers. They know what schools are good in different areas. </p>

<p>The second way is to read peer-reviewed journals in your field. Again, in engineering, it’s pretty easy, because there is a dominant journal in every field (AIAA/IEEE/ASME, etc). Look who’s doing the most publishing in the research area you want to get into. That should be a good start.</p>

4

<p>Thanks for the advice. </p>

<p>And to answer your question, getting a job isn’t on my mind at all. I am only looking for a place where I can do first-class research, and that is the most important thing on my list.</p>