Best friends forever?

You might want to think twice.

Dear Lizzy: Since I moved away from home, I really miss having pets around. I'm in a pet-friendly apartment building now and I'm interested in getting a pet, but I'm not sure what to get.
Lonely in Chicago

www.marshmallowpeeps.org/pets/

He may be cuddly, but he could be a bundle of trouble as well.

Dear Lonely: It's good that you're in a pet-friendly building - you have cleared the first hurdle to pet ownership. Some buildings that do allow pets require an extra deposit so check with your landlord before you bring anything home.

And before you run to the pound to rescue a puppy, remember that getting a pet can be a big commitment.

If your parents aren't around to let the dog out when you're working late, you might come home to a mess. You should consider whether or not someone is available to take care of your pet when you go away, even if you get a fish. Can you afford vet bills and food? Do you have the extra time?

With that in mind, you might want to consider getting a hamster, gerbil, or hedgehog - they can be left alone for the weekend, but they can still provide some entertainment and company.

Dear Lizzy: I am graduating college this semester. My parents are really pushing me to go straight to graduate school, but I'm not so sure I want to go yet - or at all. How do I tell them I want some time out of school?
Burned Out in Wyoming

Dear Burned Out: There are a lot of pros and cons about going to graduate school.

If you're going for an MBA (business school), graduate schools are more likely to accept you if you have real-world working experience because it means you have shown some commitment to that area.

In any field, working might allow you time to find yourself, figure out what you want to study in graduate school and then have a better experience once you get there.

You could also work and go to graduate school part-time while you're working - a good option in a tough economy.

Graduate school is not a necessity, though. You might make more money and get better jobs with a graduate degree, but many people have done very well without one.

I would suggest talking to people in the field you are interested in, and find out what they did. Also, here are some resources you should check out before making a final decision:

Should I go? U.S. News and World Report.

Advice for undergraduates considering graduate education.

On to grad school, or find a job?

And if you decide to go, check out:

Gradschools.com
The Wall Street Journal's CollegeJournal
US News & World Report's rankings.