Benj_C

That's right. I received an invitation to come and visit them. Then I sent an email inquiring about the exact status of my application and they said I would be accepted if they could match me with a suitable supervisor. They're flying me to meet with my potential supervisor next month, but they never call it an interview. At the same time, they're flying me from the West Coast to.....Europe! So I'm hoping they would never spend that much money to simply reject me. I asked them whether I should prepare anything for that "meeting"; I'll see what they say. Thanks for your prompt reply.

Sorry, I'm not clear about your anwer: What was the exact nature of that visit? Technical interview or informal chit-chat?

How do you find information on an advisor before applying (email current grad students? "Reviews" available somewhere?...)? I mean, besides the basic academic information available on his/her web page. For example, is there any way to know whether you can expect a positive relationship or you just have to take a gamble? 4 years is a long time to spend with somebody you don't get along very well...