Trying to collect information on grad schools
Here are some ways in which different schools differ from each other:


Size. Both small schools (personal attention) and big schools (lots of seminars, people to talk to) have their advantages. Which is more important to you?
Research focuses. Even large schools will be dominated by a couple of research groups. Do you find their work interesting?
Program structure. Some programs are very structured, with lots of requirements; some are more free-form. Which is best is a matter of individual preference.
Competitiveness. Some departments are friendly and competitive, some departments are friendly and less competitive. (And a couple of departments are unfriendly and you should avoid them.) Do you thrive under pressure? If so, choose a competitive place.
Quality. (This one is obvious.)
Geography. Some places (Harvard, Wisconsin, Michigan, Washington, among many others) are located in towns where it's a lot of fun to be a grad student. Some are not.
Support. Some places offer more money, and/or less teaching requirements in exchange for funding. (Typically private schools fare better than public in this regard, but not necessarily.)


All things to keep in mind when you compare schools.