- Think about what you want to accomplish in college, which is your Academic SMART Goal.
- Write your SMART goal as you think it should look in the box below. Remember there are five components to a SMART goal.
Directions: In this section, we will help you review your academic SMART goal. Use the chart below to identify the components of your academic SMART goal. Use complete sentences in your response.
Specific: Does this goal explain clearly what I am going to do? How is your academic goal specific?
Measurable: Will this goal produce measurable results? How will you determine you are progressing towards achieving your academic goal (measurable)?
Achievable: Is this goal realistically achievable in the time I have outlined? How is your academic goal achievable? What actions will you take to successfully complete your goal?
Relevant: Is this goal directly aligned with what I want to accomplish? How does your academic goal relate to your interests and career (relevant)? Why is it important that you achieve your academic goal?
Time Bound: Does this goal have a clear time for completion? What is the specific deadline of your academic goal (time bound)?
Academic SMART Goal
SMART Goal: "I will maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher by the end of my sophomore year while participating in at least one extracurricular activity related to my major."
Specific
This goal is specific as it clearly states what I intend to achieve: maintaining a GPA of 3.5 or higher and participating in an extracurricular activity that aligns with my major. It outlines two distinct objectives—academic performance and involvement in relevant extracurriculars—which provide a clear focus for my efforts.
Measurable
The goal is measurable because I can track my GPA through my academic records, allowing me to monitor my progress each semester. Additionally, I can measure my participation in extracurricular activities by keeping a record of the events I attend and the responsibilities I take on within the organization related to my major.
Achievable
This goal is achievable as I have already established effective study habits and time management skills that will help me maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher. To successfully complete this goal, I will allocate specific times for studying, seek help from professors or tutors when needed, and actively engage in group projects. Furthermore, I will research and join an extracurricular organization that aligns with my career interests, ensuring that I can balance both academics and extracurricular commitments.
Relevant
This goal is relevant to my personal and professional aspirations because achieving a high GPA is essential for my desired career path in [insert field, e.g., psychology, engineering, etc.]. Maintaining strong academic performance will make me a competitive candidate for internships and future job opportunities. Additionally, participating in an extracurricular activity related to my major will enhance my practical knowledge and provide networking opportunities that are crucial for my career development.
Time Bound
The goal is time-bound as it specifies a clear deadline: by the end of my sophomore year. This timeframe allows me to set milestones throughout the academic year to assess my progress toward maintaining my GPA and participating in extracurricular activities. I will evaluate my academic performance at the end of each semester to ensure I am on track to meet this goal.
Using this framework, I can effectively articulate my academic SMART goal and detail how each component contributes to achieving it successfully.