Yes, I agree that seeking out the ideal advisor reduces the chance of acquiring a poor advisor. However, in some cases, the potential professor can be very persuasive with kind words, promises of great mentoring, and overall success on your part. May also sound fair, and that students are the most important part of their job. However, these same advisors sometimes need to acquire students for their own success. After the student starts the program, the "dream grad program" can turn into a nightmare. And in these cases, verbal abuse, inconsistent demands, and constant threats of being kicked out can follow. Isolation for other grad students can make the student think that the incredible demands are seen by all grad students. Professors are brilliant, and can be very manipulative and mentally destructive to their grad students. I have had 2 anxiety attacks in my 1-1/2 years of grad school, and my dream of going on for my Ph.D. is gone. People say that if you want something bad enough that you can work through anything. Trust me, I have tried. However, I have decided that my physical and mental health is more valuable than another degree. So I will finish with a MS. I guess I am proud that I will make it as far as I did.
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