Set SMART Goals
College can be a big challenge, especially when you consider all of the things in life you have that are competing for your precious time: family, friends, jobs, etc. Now that you have a calendar to help you keep track of due dates, events, and tasks, you need to consider how you can make sure you are meeting your goals. Do you know what your goals are? Some straightforward goals may be: finishing the semester, or a class, or graduating—those are excellent goals! Let’s dig into how you can help make sure you meet those goals.
There are plenty of methods for setting goals, for this effort, let's look at the SMART Goal Method.
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-based
You will want to set goals that are smart, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based. Let’s dig into each of these a bit around the goal of finishing a class. For this example, the goal is to finish English Composition.
Specific: Your goals should identify exactly what you want to accomplish with as much detail as possible. If you have a goal of finishing a class, be as specific as possible and name the exact class as part of your goal. For instance, Finish English Composition.
Measurable: Your goal should have a way that you can measure if you are on track. If we stick with the goal of finishing English composition, we can measure if we are on track by including a grade in the goal. For example, Finish English Composition with a grade of a B. At midterms, if your grade is below a B, you will know you need to adjust something to meet your goal.
Achievable: Your goal should be something that challenges you, but that you can attain. When thinking about this part of a goal, consider barriers that are out of your control that may affect your ability to achieve your goal. Finish English Composition with a grade of a B is an attainable grade if you consider what you need to do to achieve the grade. Read the syllabus of the professor’s expectations, check due dates, and get help as needed from tutors, fellow classmates, or the professor.
Relevant: Ask yourself is this goal worthwhile? If the answer is yes, then your goal is relevant. If your ultimate goal is to finish a program or a class, then achieving a B in the class is a relevant goal.
Time-based: A time-based goal will include a deadline to complete the goal. If you are aiming for a B in the class this semester, then your goal would be Finish English Composition with a B by May 2023 (or March 2023 if it is a 7-week class).
Setting effective goals is an important step in helping you achieve academic success. If you need help in setting your goals, we’re here to help. You can find guidance in goal setting by scheduling an appointment with your academic advisor or your professor.