As a college student, you have big plans for your academic experience and beyond. You want to make the most of every course as you gain new skills, discover new perspectives, and expand your network. You also want to prepare for a successful career in your field of choice. This is a lot to tackle, and with so many courses and experiences available, it’s easy to get lost in the details.
Goal-setting can help, but not just any goal will improve your academic experience. You want your goals to provide consistent motivation without making you feel overwhelmed. A framework attributed to corporate planning director George T. Doran could make all the difference. Known as the SMART goal, this blueprint could be key to unlocking success as a student and in the professional world. Keep reading to learn what these goals involve and gain practical insights through detailed SMART goals examples for students.
What Are SMART Goals?
SMART goals bring a structured approach to the goal-setting process, offering guidance to ensure that your immediate goals align with your values and your long-term intentions. This approach aims to strike the ideal balance between goals that are achievable and realistic, as well as goals that are ambitious enough to keep you striving for improvement. Key elements of goals that qualify as SMART include:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Achievable
- Relevant
- Time-bound
We will touch on the specifics of these attributes later, but it is important to understand that all elements are important. They bridge the gap between overly ambitious goals, which are hard to achieve, and overly modest ones, which may result in minimal progress. This mechanism offers both insight into what makes goals effective and a reliable framework for drafting new goals or evaluating past objectives.
SMART Goals Examples for College Students
The steps highlighted above may seem overwhelming at first glance, especially if you suspect that your previous goals have fallen short. Sometimes, it helps to observe well-crafted goals in action. Examples of SMART goals for students can be especially illustrative, revealing how different objectives may play out for different students.
Below, we’ve provided a few relatable examples that reveal how SMART goals can play out in the college environment and how they can be adapted to reflect the unique needs of online students.
Academic SMART Goals Examples
Example 1: Improving GPA
GOAL: This term, I intend to achieve the 3.5 GPA needed for the ___ scholarship by earning a B or better in every course. To reach this goal, I will commit to studying two hours for every one credit, meeting with a tutor once every week, and attending office hours at least twice for each class.
This goal is specific because it sets a clear GPA target and explains why that target matters. It is measurable through course grades, study hours, tutoring sessions, and office hour attendance. It is achievable because it breaks a larger academic goal into consistent, manageable actions. It is relevant to both academic success and scholarship eligibility, and it is time-bound to this term.
Example 2: Improving Performance in a Specific Course
GOAL: Improve my grade in Biology 101 from a B- to an A by the end of the semester by reviewing class notes for 30 minutes after each lecture, attending one professor office hour per week, and completing all assigned practice quizzes.
This goal is specific because it focuses on one course and one target grade. It is measurable through quiz completion, office hour attendance, and the final course grade. It is achievable because the actions are realistic within a semester schedule. It is relevant for a student who wants stronger academic performance, and it is time-bound by the end of the semester.
Example 3: Earning a Specific Exam Score
GOAL: Earn at least a 90% on my next chemistry exam by studying for one hour four days a week for three weeks, completing two full practice tests, and meeting with a tutor once before the exam date.
This goal is specific because it identifies a clear exam and target score. It is measurable through study sessions, practice tests, and the exam result. It is achievable because the plan is structured and manageable over three weeks. It is relevant to academic success and time-bound by the scheduled exam date.
Example 4: Submitting Assignments Early
GOAL: Submit all major assignments at least 24 hours before their deadlines for the rest of this semester by breaking each project into smaller steps and setting personal due dates two days in advance.
This goal is specific because it focuses on assignment submission habits. It is measurable by tracking whether each assignment is turned in early. It is achievable because it relies on better planning rather than unrealistic extra work. It is relevant for reducing stress and improving performance, and it is time-bound to the remainder of the semester.
Example 5: Increasing Class Participation
GOAL: Contribute at least one comment or question in each of my history classes every week for the next eight weeks to become more engaged and confident in class discussions.
This goal is specific because it targets participation in a particular class setting. It is measurable by counting weekly contributions. It is achievable because speaking once per class is a reasonable target for most students. It is relevant to building communication skills and engagement, and it is time-bound over eight weeks.
Productivity SMART Goals Examples
Example 6: Building Better Study Habits
GOAL: Build better study habits by the end of this month by completing at least four Pomodoro sessions each day, with each session including 25 minutes of focused studying followed by a five-minute break.
This goal is specific because it uses a defined study method and sets a clear daily target. It is measurable through the number of Pomodoro sessions completed each day. It is achievable because the sessions are short, structured, and easy to build into a routine. It is relevant to improving productivity and time management, and it is time-bound by the end of the month.
Example 7: Creating a Weekly Study Schedule
GOAL: Follow a weekly study schedule for the next 10 weeks by blocking out two hours every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday evening for coursework and review.
This goal is specific because it identifies exactly when study time will happen. It is measurable by whether the student sticks to those scheduled blocks each week. It is achievable because the schedule is consistent and realistic. It is relevant to academic organization and time management, and it is time-bound over a 10-week period.
Example 8: Reducing Procrastination
GOAL: Reduce procrastination this semester by starting every assignment within 24 hours of it being posted and using a timer to complete at least one 25-minute focused work session before taking a break.
This goal is specific because it defines a clear behavior change. It is measurable by tracking how quickly assignments are started and how often focused work sessions happen. It is achievable because it uses small, practical steps. It is relevant to productivity and academic success, and it is time-bound to this semester.
Example 9: Improving Time Management
GOAL: Improve my time management over the next two months by using a planner every day to record classes, assignments, work shifts, and deadlines, then reviewing it each evening for the next day.
This goal is specific because it centers on one system for organizing responsibilities. It is measurable by daily planner use and evening review habits. It is achievable because it builds a simple routine. It is relevant to balancing academic and personal commitments, and it is time-bound over two months.
Career SMART Goals Examples
Example 10: Enhancing Networking Skills
GOAL: Strengthen my networking skills by the end of this term by making at least five new professional contacts in my field through in-person networking events and following up with each contact at least once.
This goal is specific because it focuses on building connections within a chosen field. It is measurable through the number of contacts made and follow-up messages sent. It is achievable because spreading five new connections across a full term is realistic for most students. It is relevant to career development and relationship-building, and it is time-bound by the end of the term.
Example 11: Securing an Internship
GOAL: Secure an internship in marketing by applying to at least three positions per week, scheduling one appointment with career services, and completing at least one informational interview within 60 days.
This goal is specific because it focuses on obtaining an internship in a defined field. It is measurable through applications submitted, the career appointment completed, and the informational interview conducted. It is achievable because it breaks the process into consistent steps. It is relevant to career development and time-bound by a 60-day window.
Example 12: Updating LinkedIn Profile and Resume
GOAL: Update my LinkedIn profile and resume by the end of this month by revising my experience section, adding at least three new skills, uploading a professional photo, and asking one professor or supervisor for feedback.
This goal is specific because it outlines exactly what needs to be updated. It is measurable by the completion of each profile and resume improvement. It is achievable because the tasks are manageable within a month. It is relevant to internship and job preparation, and it is time-bound by the end of the month.
Personal Development SMART Goals Examples
Example 13: Joining a Professional Association in Your Field
GOAL: Join one professional association related to my major by the end of this semester and attend at least one virtual or in-person event to begin building industry knowledge and connections.
This goal is specific because it focuses on membership and participation in one professional organization. It is measurable through joining the association and attending an event. It is achievable because student memberships and entry-level events are often accessible. It is relevant to career exploration and networking, and it is time-bound by the end of the semester.
Example 14: Improving Health & Wellness
GOAL: Improve my health by going to a gym or taking a 30-minute walk three times a week and preparing at least four balanced meals at home each week for the next 12 weeks.
This goal is specific because it identifies exercise and meal habits to improve wellness. It is measurable by tracking workouts, walks, and meals prepared. It is achievable because the targets are realistic for a student schedule. It is relevant to maintaining energy and well-being, and it is time-bound over 12 weeks.
Example 15: Saving Money During the Semester
GOAL: Save $500 by the end of the semester by limiting restaurant meals to once per week, tracking all spending in a budgeting app, and transferring $25 into savings every Friday.
This goal is specific because it sets a clear savings target and action plan. It is measurable through spending records and weekly savings transfers. It is achievable because the amount is broken into smaller habits. It is relevant to financial wellness, and it is time-bound by the end of the semester.
Why SMART Goals Matter for College Students
SMART goals matter because they help college students develop short-term objectives that reflect their long-term intentions. Without a structured approach, this can be difficult to accomplish. Students may set vague intentions such as “I want to get good grades” or “I want to build a strong professional network.” Still, unless they are purposeful about how these goals can actually be accomplished, progress is not likely. This can make would-be goal-setters feel frustrated or may cause some to abandon setting goals altogether.
Another reason to set SMART goals? Simply put, they work — or at least, they work when the right goals are established for the right reasons.
Studies consistently show that students who set goals perform better academically than those who avoid goal-setting. What’s more, survey results suggest that setting goals can help students feel more engaged with their coursework and can also enhance their perceptions of success upon achieving well-planned goals.
How to Create Effective SMART Goals
Although they include many moving parts, SMART goals can be surprisingly easy to set. After all, the SMART acronym provides plenty of guidance. Follow these manageable steps to set college-focused SMART goals:
1. Make Your Goals Specific
Above all else, a SMART goal should convey what, exactly, you want to do. It should include action words that reveal your intentions as a student. This should include the intended outcome as well as the specific actions or steps needed to achieve it.
If you have a general idea regarding what you want to accomplish but need help making vague intentions sound more specific, reflect on why you are interested in a particular goal in the first place. You want to feel confident that achieving your goal will make a difference in the long run. Experiment with different language until your goal feels concrete and easy to understand.
2. Ensure Your Goals Are Measurable
While measurable goals arguably qualify as specific, this category is distinct in that it references how much. This offers a reliable mechanism for measuring your progress. Once you clearly define your goal, you can use metrics to confirm when it is achieved or measure your progress along the way.
This step may feel surprisingly intuitive. For instance, if your goal involves achieving a specific grade point average, it already qualifies as measurable. In other cases, however, outcomes may feel impossible to quantify, but the consistency required to meet a goal can still be measured. You may need to determine how often you will engage in a particular behavior or for how long. With a little effort, any goal can be quantified. It’s just a matter of how.
For example, if you struggle to remain on task during synchronous sessions for online courses, you could set a measurable goal of 30 minutes of focused listening or three meaningful contributions to online discussions every day.
3. Set Achievable Goals
The ideal goal will stretch you just far enough. Yes, some effort should be involved in reaching your goal, but success won’t be as satisfying if it comes at the cost of other priorities, such as work-school-life balance. Unfortunately, this facet of the SMART goal framework can be difficult to pinpoint, especially if you are naturally ambitious but must also overcome significant obstacles.
You can engage in some self-reflection to determine what qualifies as achievable. Begin by identifying roadblocks that could stand in the way of success. Remember, what is realistic for one student may only be viable for some. For instance, if you are a working parent enrolled in a full-time college courseload, a 4.0 GPA might not be realistic and could prompt unnecessary stress without meaningfully improving your college experience.
4. Make Your Goals Relevant
Motivation can be difficult to sustain over time unless you understand why. This is where relevance comes into play. Use this opportunity to reveal what makes a given outcome so compelling and what makes all that added effort feel worthwhile. Clarify your long-term objectives so that you can explore them in the context of your current goals. For instance, if you eventually want to apply for graduate school, your GPA is clearly relevant, so that can motivate you to pursue a goal that might otherwise seem arbitrary.
5. Set Time-Bound Goals
Procrastination is a common part of the student experience, but it doesn’t need to be. If your goals are time-bound, they will impart a sense of urgency, which, in turn, will motivate you to take action. Time-bound goals are also easier to break into smaller, more manageable steps. For example, if you want to master a particular skill within a month, you can set smaller milestones for each week and even achieve a more targeted approach to your daily study sessions.
For many college students, this particular step will feel intuitive. Goals often center on college terms or semesters, which provide natural deadlines. However, some goals may call for greater urgency. For instance, you may establish goals that relate to your effort to secure a desirable internship. Depending on your timeline, you may need to meet these goals well before the end of the semester.
Tips for Sticking to Your SMART Goals
Goal-setting is only the beginning. The most carefully established goals will mean little unless they give way to action. Unfortunately, many well-intentioned students struggle to remain on track even after setting seemingly compelling goals. These suggestions may make it easier to keep motivated when obstacles threaten to derail important objectives:
1. Track Your Progress
SMART goals are only effective if they drive progress. With careful tracking, it may be easier to determine whether previously established goals are moving you in the right direction. Simple efforts to track your progress can keep you accountable while also helping you observe and celebrate early successes.
If your goals are measurable, tracking them should not be difficult. Begin by breaking major goals into actionable steps. Designate milestones that reflect significant progress but also feel realistic. For example, if your SMART goals center around skill development, set a smaller milestone that helps you determine whether you have progressed toward mastering the skills in question.
When possible, leverage technological solutions to make progress tracking feel intuitive. From productivity apps to project management platforms, many solutions promote consistent tracking by sending alerts or even by gamifying the goal-tracking experience.
2. Stay Flexible
If early tracking reveals unexpected roadblocks, use the opportunity to reassess your goal and efforts. Based on these initial insights, you may uncover opportunities to refine your approach based on the realities of your class or your schedule. Reflect on these challenges and consider how you might adjust your goal-setting approach in the future.
Some goals that appear achievable or relevant at the outset may seem less desirable over time. Therein lies the need for flexibility. No, you should not automatically abandon any goal that does not appear to be going well. However, you should be willing to re-evaluate on occasion to determine whether your current goals still align with your overall vision or values.
3. Celebrate Small Wins
Not all SMART goals will end in success. You can still acknowledge and reward yourself for any improvements made as a result of bringing a more structured approach to goal-setting and personal improvement. You can even establish your intentions to reward yourself during the goal-setting process. Small treats and fun outings qualify.
Some students prefer to track their progress visually with stickers or icons, which feel like small rewards. Upon achieving ambitious goals, they reward themselves with special splurges like concerts, weekend getaways, or even shopping sprees. Don’t hesitate to get loved ones involved, as friends and family members will be eager to support your wins, no matter how small.
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As you prepare for a meaningful student experience, look to Johnson & Wales Online for opportunities to expand your skill set as you embrace an immersive learning environment. Offering accessible online degree programs and robust student services, JWU Online promises guidance and support through every step of your college experience.
For more information about completing your degree online, complete the Request Info form, call 855-JWU-1881, or email [email protected].