[fn-mote]

For readers still in a position to make a choice: interviewing and carefully selecting the lab / professor that you attach yourself to for the PhD is really a good idea!

Unfortunately, a lot of people enter the pipeline (in the US) not yet equipped to evaluate the possibilities.

If that’s you, get the masters degree that gives you enough knowledge to make an informed choice, then move if necessary.

[tmpz22]

> interviewing and carefully selecting the lab / professor

Worth pointing out supply can be slim in narrower fields of research or for location requirements, like being close to a significant other.

[jonshsjsb]

But careful. Many professors lie. And many of them are nasty.

Talk to the grad students of other professors