One of the great things about graduate school is that it attracts people from all stages and walks of life. You could easily find yourself sitting in class next to a new mom, a mid-career working professional, or a retiree. Deciding when to go to graduate school comes down to a personal decision based on a variety of factors. If you are still in the debating phase, here is a bit more food for thought.

Straight out of the gate
Heading into graduate school right after your undergraduate degree may seem like a no-brainer. The material is fresh in your mind, and you're still in school mode so you are used to studying, writing papers and surviving on a student budget. Perhaps you have built up a rapport with your professors, so you will have no problem securing a few reference letters for the application process. In addition, many recent graduates have yet to start a family and are free of dependents.

On the downside, extending your education may delay your entry into the workforce by another few years. Depending on your financial situation, you might also have to consider that heading into graduate school is going to increase your financial burden or student loans if you have them. Keep in mind that assistantships are not a guarantee, and the amounts offered vary by institution and program. Lastly, make sure you know your limits. Pushing yourself too hard or too quickly into a new program could put you at risk for academic burnout.

Older and wiser?
Sitting in a graduate seminar after taking several years off following undergraduate studies can be a little daunting, but going to graduate school later in life does have a lot of benefits. Taking time off between degrees allows you to reflect on your undergraduate experience and determine how you can improve your study habits. You're probably less likely to hit the party circuit the night before a lecture, and more likely to remember where your last $20 went. Let's face it, the term "mature student" means just that. There is a lot to be said for life experience. Waiting to go to graduate school might also help you decide what direction your studies will take. Mature students have had some time to explore careers and find out what fits for them.

The difficulties of heading back to school after an extended break depend on how long you are out of the game, and what you plan on doing in the intermission. For some it could mean dealing with the pressures of taking care of children and/or aging parents in addition to your studies. If you establish yourself in a career and want or need to continue working during school, any free time is going to decrease considerably. Financial responsibilities may change as well. Paying for your education in addition to a mortgage, car or the kids' extracurricular activities could involve some serious financial planning.

Take a moment
Since grad school is going to consume a lot of your time, energy and resources, it is a good idea to do a bit of personal reflection before deciding when to go. Think about why you are going and what is influencing your decision. Do you have a specific career goal in mind? Are you passionate about the subject matter? Are you feeling pressure from parents or friends? In some cases, students head into graduate studies right away without having a clue about why they are there. Graduate school is very rewarding, but it is also a lot of hard work. You owe it to yourself to think carefully before taking that leap. If you are feeling indecisive about your career path, you may want to consider getting into the job market first to find out what kind of careers interest you.

Evaluating your lifestyle is another important factor in timing your graduate education. Identify your family, career and personal goals for the years ahead and see where additional schooling would fit best. If you are happy with the student lifestyle and want to keep up the momentum, then heading straight into graduate school sounds like the right move for you. On the other hand, if the thought of writing a thesis anytime soon makes you