[rsfern]

Definitely agree with assessment of high variance in programs and even individual groups.

I think ‘yelp for academic groups’ is an interesting idea, but I really doubt the administration would step in unless it got really bad. But giving prospective students better information could disrupt the flow of good students to toxic labs, which might actually create some incentive for change.

I’m not sure I would actually post to such a service though, even though I have a pretty good relationship with my Ph.D. advisor. Too many bridges to potentially burn in such a small community.

For any prospective students who might read this, in the meantime you might try briefly emailing a few current and former group members asking for their perspective.