If I could respond to my own comment, I would also like to offer one other piece of advice:
If you're learning towards graduate school, research the GROUPS and not the schools. Even within departments you will have a variety of experiences, and knowing what you want well in advance is key. Here are some observations about advisers (if you change your mind and end up applying for a PhD program):
- Young professors generally are trying to build their name in the community and will work you like no other. You will probably publish often. Stress is common.
- Middle-aged professors at the height of their career will generally be not available to you. This is when they travel to conferences and meetings. Your real adviser will probably be your Post-Doc.
- Retirement-bound professors will be freely available and have a wealth of experience through which you can draw upon. They generally care less about department politics and more about your personal happiness and success. However, they probably won't pressure you as often to get things done (may be good or bad).
If you're learning towards graduate school, research the GROUPS and not the schools. Even within departments you will have a variety of experiences, and knowing what you want well in advance is key. Here are some observations about advisers (if you change your mind and end up applying for a PhD program):
- Young professors generally are trying to build their name in the community and will work you like no other. You will probably publish often. Stress is common.
- Middle-aged professors at the height of their career will generally be not available to you. This is when they travel to conferences and meetings. Your real adviser will probably be your Post-Doc.
- Retirement-bound professors will be freely available and have a wealth of experience through which you can draw upon. They generally care less about department politics and more about your personal happiness and success. However, they probably won't pressure you as often to get things done (may be good or bad).