How do I decide on the graduate program that's best for me?

 Start by thinking about what scientific areas interest you most.

Next look at graduate programs that are close to those interests and view the listing of their faculty.  Ideally you should be able to find at least three faculty within a program whose research interests you.  (Note: many faculty are part of more than one graduate program, so don’t be surprised if you seen a faculty member’s name listed more than once).

Then consider the curriculum, graduate education philosophy, and available financial support.

If comparing two graduate programs from the same institution and you are only permitted to apply to one graduate program at a time, identify the one who has the most faculty members of interest.  You may wish to contact those faculty to acquire more information about their research and determine if s/he has any openings in their research team.  This is especially important if the graduate program requires prior identification of a faculty advisor at the time of applying.  Other graduate programs have a lab rotation policy before one selects a faculty advisor and thesis project.