How should I choose a PhD advisor?

Question

In general how should one go about with choosing an advisor for PhD?
Should it be solely based on research interests?
And how do I know how good he/she is? From his papers? From other students and professors?
Or must I also look at the Way he treats students?
I am a bit worried that the professor under whom I plan to work is very demanding. But I find his research closer to mine. In that case would be worth it for me to work with him or should I choose someone else?
I am confused. Please help with genuine answers.

Answer 1

Let's look at the desired result - a PhD for you. What is this professors track record on getting his advisees passed on the first time? How well prepared where they? How influencial will the professor be to the interview team?

Sounds like a 'fit' to me. Someone that expect high results, close to your own work. If you can 'connect' with him (and not get into an opposing theory argument), then he's right in my book

Answer 2

It's more important that you can work with them. This person can become extremely significant to you, you don't want a negative influence. If you are a loner and its all about the work that's fine but I think it would suck to go through grad school like that. A demanding person is OK and may help you go further. It is generally a desirable quality in an adviser. You just don't want a selfish person that is untrustworthy, aloof or critical.

The work they published solo and under others won't tell you much. Look at the work they did with students. Did they give them proper credit? Did they do challenging research with them or do they save the really good projects for themselves? If the majority of their students get only minor publication or none at all that is a big red flag.

Answer 3

Your ultimate aim is to get your PhD. If you want to just get a PhD without fuss then choose a advisor who is good with students and also who is a well known researcher in their field. But if you have chosen an area wherein you have little choice then come whatever may you and however may be the advisor you can get what you want - because its your area of interest.

Answer 4

Name, Place, Animal, Thing Genuine answer

Yup !!!! See your guides name, his qualifications, papers published by him etc. That covers the name bit.

Coming to the place... see where he is placed which university etc. Does it suit you.

Animal ! well how good an animal, oh! I mean guide would he turn out to be. Ask around.

Thing Check how good he is at the subject.

He shouldn't be the name, place, animal thing kind. Think YOU"LL recognise one easily.

Best of luck with your Thesis.