University students are beginning to return for the fall semester and are preparing for a new semester with new classes and new professors.

Some of these students are considering more education – graduate school.

Graduate school, a step beyond undergraduate work in terms of research and individual studies, requires the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), admissions and preparation for a specific field of study.

“It’s important for students to realize that graduate education is different from undergraduate education,” said Krista Haynes, director of graduate admissions and student services with the University’s graduate school. “Graduate study is more intense and requires more time for reading and writing papers.”

When planning for any major step in life, including graduate school, it’s important to learn as much as possible about the subject and connect with others directly involved.

“It’s a good idea to talk to graduate students in your area of interest to find out about the time investment so you can work toward balancing your graduate career with your personal life,” Haynes said.

Maureen Grasso, dean of the graduate school, said that because graduate work emphasizes critical and analytical thinking, it’s good to get research experience as an undergraduate.

“We have wonderful opportunities at the University through CURO, apprenticeships and summer research,”she said. “Graduate work is about becoming self-directed, self-motivated and having self-discipline to take the challenge and move forward as a life-long learner.”

In addition to contacting faculty, students can plan ahead with the graduate coordinator in each department.

“The graduate coordinator serves as a major liaison between the school and graduate program,” Grasso said.

“The coordinator can help with the specifics on program requirements when applying – a personal statement of goals, resume, portfolio, audition or early deadline.”

The graduate school offers a workshop each spring to prepare students to apply to graduate schools.