Research guide
How to compare research labs before applying
Compare research questions, supervision, practical requirements, and source quality when choosing which labs to explore.
Compare the research you would do
Begin with evidence from recent projects and publications. Two groups may share the same topic label while asking different questions or using different methods. For each lab, write one sentence about the question you would like to investigate there.
Keep known facts separate from questions. A topic on a profile is evidence of a listed interest; it is not a promise that a particular project is available to you.
Ask how supervision works
Find out who would guide your day-to-day work, how feedback is given, and what the group expects from a new researcher. Ask for examples of a manageable first task and how progress is reviewed.
MIT's mentor-matching guidance encourages students to consider research responsibilities and mentoring dynamics when assessing fit. A conversation can help you understand details that a profile cannot show.
- What question or project would I work on?
- Who would supervise me, and how often would we meet?
- Which skills are required at the start, and which can I learn?
- What would successful progress look like during the first term?
Check the practical requirements
Compare the stated academic stage, location, start date, time commitment, compensation or credit, and application process. If a detail is missing, mark it as a question rather than assuming it matches another opening.
For a published role, save the official instructions and deadline. For a lab with unconfirmed availability, ask about possible projects before treating it as an application option.
Use sources and update your shortlist
A directory profile is a starting point. Follow its source links and check when information was updated. A lab-managed page identifies who maintains the listing; an independently curated page may need confirmation from the group.
Use four columns in your shortlist: research interest, evidence, unanswered questions, and next step. Compare a few realistic options and revisit your notes after each conversation. Your choice can change as you learn more about the work and the people.
Further reading
These institutional resources offer additional advice. Their program requirements apply to their own institutions; consult your university for local eligibility and procedures.