What to do when visiting a lab or a university for prospective application?

Question

In his famous and interesting article "Ten Simple Rules for Selecting a Postdoctoral Position", author Philippe Bourne states, in the 2nd point:

Rule 2: Select a Laboratory That Suits Your Work and Lifestyle

If at all possible, visit the laboratory before making a decision. [...]

I think that is definitively a good advice, not only for Post-Doc applicants, but for all applicants in general. But, what is the best way to arrange a lab visit?

What to do when you're there?

Whom to speak to? What to ask? What to do?

This question is mostly answered by "What are some good questions to ask current graduate students when visiting schools?". — eykanal, May 30 '12 at 17:50
The question of how to arrange a visit is a different issue. — aeismail, May 31 '12 at 05:37
Is this for prospective Ph.D students or prospective postdocs ? — Suresh, Oct 16 '12 at 17:23

score 3 · Answer 1 · answered May 31 '12 at 15:46

3

Two options I can think of:

Simply email the professor and arrange a visit.
Some programs will have lab tours during the recruitment/orientation programs, so you can try to arrange to meet the professor on that visit.

answered May 31 '12 at 15:46

eykanal

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What to do when visiting a lab or a university for prospective application?

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