<p>Hi everyone!
First timer question for you all.</p>
<p>I'm looking at a lot of school research even before applying.</p>
<p>If I had limitless time, I may reach out to individual professors, but initially I just want to learn a bit about the faculty without the hassle. Among all the stats, visits and research, I'm wondering if other people have found the profiles of their prospective professors a useful resource. </p>
<p>These profiles take many different shapes. Some schools just seem to have a photo, CV, and contact information. Others provide a short biography, personal statement, and even classroom expectations.</p>
<p>For the schools who have profiles, did you find them to be helpful? Was that a 'green flag' indicator of the quality of the program? Is there anything in particular I should look for when reading these profiles?</p>
<p>Thanks so much for your helpful replies.
-Mike</p>
<p>the best proxy for quality of program is job placement in my opinion. find out the top recruiters, average salary upon graduation, industry by industry breakdown etc. the #1 priority should be ensuring the school will get you where you want to go.</p>
<p>heavy placement into top-tier management consulting, investment banking, and financial services is a good sign. even if those industries aren’t appealing to you, they are usually the hardest to get so a strong placement record there will <em>usually</em> indicate a strong placement record elsewhere.</p>
<p>Depends on what is important. Do you have a list of selection criteria?</p>
<p>Is job placement important to you?
Is there a specific professor you’re looking for?
Research professors vs. Practicing professors?
The schools where the professors got their PhD’s?
Diversity?
Students per professor?
Library collection?
Regional School?
TA opportunities?
Interdepartmental collaboration?
etc.
Yes it helps to get and idea of the personalities at the school and what they are interested in. You shouldn’t base your decision solely on that. Job placement IS important but how important is it to you?</p>