The hints from the University of Indiana's Computer Science Department are quite useful, however we thought a little additional guidance may be useful.

In large departments there are often several professors with interests that may mesh with your own. It can be difficult to decide which one may be the best match for you. Consider the points in the IU document, then start asking questions:

1. Talk to your graduate coordinator. The graduate coordinator usually knows which professors are looking for gradaute students and the areas of research each is doing.
2. Talk to the potential advisor. Does he have the time to sit and talk with you? Does he seem interested in your ideas? Is his personality compatible with yours? Is this someone you are willing to work with for several years?
3. Talk to his current graduate students. This one is more important than you may at first think. These students have worked with this advisor; they know his idiosyncrasies. Ask them what their advisor is like. Find out what he expects of his graduate students. How long have these students been with this professor? While talking to the students also ask yourself if you would fit in with this group. It is the graduate students of the group who you will have the most contact with. Could you work with these people many hours a day?