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Your college years are all about figuring out who you are and what you want to do with your life. If you’re lucky, you’ll get it right the first time–but if you don’t, you’ll be in good company with the other 73% of college graduates who don’t work in a field related to their undergraduate college major.
But, no matter what, you will be expanding your horizons by exploring the fields that interest you through education and learning a variety of skills along the way. Plus, you will be gradually evolving into adulthood while you learn how to balance deadlines, personal responsibilities, and an enhanced social schedule.
College is probably the first time you’re living out on your own, away from your parents’ routine, instruction, and guidance. Some run wild with this thought and start to act recklessly while forgetting their purpose or losing sight of their vision.
Not all successful people went to or finished college, but if this the path you choose, in order to be successful on your new journey, you need to know how to set effective goals, as doing so will help you get a taste of success in the short-term while also teaching you how to set yourself up for success in the future.
With your newfound freedom, you may need some extra motivation to succeed, as you no longer have a teacher or parent checking after you to make sure you’re completing all of your work on time. It’s time to take personal responsibility for your work, because once you’re in college, your effort has a direct impact on your future. And one way to ensure your effort offers positive returns is to set SMART goals.
In this article, we are going to review what SMART goals are and why college students should know how to use this goal-setting technique to set the stage for their academic success. Then we will look at 15 specific examples of statements that college students can use to guarantee favorable outcomes in their higher education.
But first, let’s review the SMART goal concept.
What Is a SMART Goal?
A SMART goal is one that comes with its own set of instructions on how to complete the goal. When done correctly, a SMART goal statement can turn your vague intention into a concrete course of action. By setting SMART objectives, you’re coming up with an intentional strategy to achieve your goals.
You can use SMART goals in all areas of your life to become the person you want to be and live the life you want to live. The method is simple–let’s take a look:
While SMART goals exist in a variety of forms, we refer to them here as being goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Let’s analyze this acronym one letter at a time:
Specific
Specific goals are well-defined and leave no room for interpretation.
Non-Specific Goal: I want to make good grades.
Specific Goal: In order to get a 3.5 GPA or above, I will spend 2 hours each weekend focusing on studying for each class in addition to completing my assigned work.
Things to Consider: Who? What? When? Where? Why?
Measurable
A measurable goal has specific criteria that allows you to measure your progress at any point.
Non-Measurable Goal: I will do well in English this semester.
Measurable Goal: I will maintain a 92% average in English throughout the semester.
Things to Consider: What is my concrete evidence of progress? How willI know when I’ve reached my goal?
Achievable
An achievable goal is one that challenges you, but is still possible to obtain.
Non-Achievable Goal: I want to bring my F average up to an A before the semester ends in three weeks.
Achievable Goal: Now that I have graduated with my bachelor’s degree, I want to apply to three master’s programs.
Things to Consider: How realistic it is to attain this goal? What are the possible barriers that could get in my way of success? Do I have the necessary resources to be successful?
Relevant
Your education goals need to matter to you if you want to stay committed. Achieving them needs to benefit you in the long-term.
Irrelevant Goal: I want to start a family. (This is a fine goal to have, but if you’re focusing on goals related to going to college, right now is probably not the right time for this goal.)
Relevant Goal: I will graduate with a double major in psychology and sociology.
Things to Consider: Is achieving this goal worthwhile? Why am I doing this? Will reaching this goal get me closer to achieving my ultimate vision? Am I doing this for myself or for someone else?
Time-Bound
This piece is vital, because you may otherwise put off completing your goals indefinitely. You need to set deadlines for your goals so you stay focused and avoid distractions. You can break your goal down to have milestones along the way that will keep you motivated.
Not Time-Bound: I want to get an internship.
Time-Bound: I want to land a paid internship that’s related to my major during the summer between junior and senior year.
Things to Consider: What’s my deadline? Do I feel a sense of urgency to get to work?
If you work each of these SMART elements into your goal statements, you will be setting yourself up in the right direction to move forward toward success.
Why Should College Students Create SMART Goals?
Setting SMART goals–both short- and long-term–can give college students a feeling of purpose and a sense of individuality. Of course your goals may largely focus on academic success, but think about the other elements of life that are new to those who have recently gained this new sense of independence. You need to set financial goals, health goals, career goals, and goals related to advocating for yourself, among others.
Before creating your SMART goals, ask yourself:
Questions like these are important to consider because the answers can help you prioritize your wants and needs for the future–and learning how to set SMART goals will benefit you long after graduation.
This skill will teach you how to continuously improve yourself, which will help you gain a competitive advantage over others who are vying for the same professional positions that you are. Knowing the simple act of setting productive goals will be a fundamental part of your long-term success.
So let’s take a look at some examples of what SMART goals may look like. You can tweak any of these that feel relevant to your life to fit your own circumstances.
15 SMART Goal Examples for College Students
1. Exercise Regularly
“I will exercise at least three times per week during this school year to keep my body healthy and my mind ready to learn.”
S: This student wants to keep an active routine to maintain overall health.
M: This is measured by exercising three times per week.
A: This is an achievable goal as long as this college student can effectively manage their time.
R: This is a relevant goal for anyone who is trying to improve themself.
T: This goal’s deadline is at the end of each week and the end of the year.
2. Call My Family Regularly
“I will call my family every Sunday night at 7:00 pm to make sure they remain a central part of my life while I’m completing this new chapter.”
S: This student has a specific plan to maintain familial relationships while living outside of the home.
M: This is measured by calling the family every Sunday night at 7:00.
A: This is an achievable goal for any college student.
R: This is a relevant goal for anyone who has recently made a big change in their life.
T: This goal’s deadline is at the end of each week.
3. Introduce Myself to Each Professor
“I will develop a good rapport with my professors in order to have recommendations upon graduation. I will do this by meeting with each professor within the first week of class to personally introduce myself and learn a bit about their career.
S: This student has a specific plan with a specific purpose.
M: This is measured by the number of professors this student has.
A: This is an achievable goal for any college student.
R: This is a relevant goal for those who want to have positive relationships with their professors.
T: This goal’s deadline is at the end of the first week of classes.
4. Receive a Job Offer
S: This student has a specific goal.
M: This is measured by receiving one job offer.
A and R: This is an achievable and relevant goal for all college students.
T: This goal’s deadline is April 30.
5. Graduate Without Credit Card Debt
“In order to graduate college without any credit card debt, I will live within my means until I am offered a job. I will eat one meal out per week and the rest I will eat in the cafeteria. Instead of leaving campus on the weekends, I will look for free on-campus entertainment. Finally, I will offer tutoring services to students who are in younger classes to earn extra money.”
S: This student has a specific goal and a plan to achieve it.
M: This is measured by the amount of debt the student (doesn’t) accrue.
A: With smart money management, this is an achievable goal.
R: This is a relevant goal for those who want to graduate debt-free.
T: This goal’s deadline is whenever the student is offered a job.
6. Sign Up for an Interesting Course
“Before graduating, I will sign up for a challenging course that interests me and earn a 92% or above.”
S: This student has a specific goal.
M: This is measured by the grade the student earns in the course.
A: This is an achievable goal.
R: This is a relevant goal for students who want to be well-rounded.
T: This goal’s deadline is graduation.
7. Develop a Good Daily Routine
“By the end of the first semester, I will have come up with a daily routine that is conducive to my academic schedule. This will help me stay focused on the task at hand and not waste time during the day on pointless endeavors.”
S: This student has a specific goal to stay focused.
M: This is measured by the amount of time left during the day that is unscheduled.
A: This is an achievable goal.
R: This is a relevant goal for students who want to reduce distractions.
T: This goal’s deadline is the end of the first semester.
8. Engage is Self-Care
“In order to stay grounded throughout college, I will engage in one hour of self-care every Sunday. “
S: This student has a specific goal to stay grounded.
M: This is measured by one hour of each day being spent on self-care.
A: This is an achievable goal.
R: This is a relevant goal for students, as they live demanding lives.
T: This goal’s deadline is graduation.
9. Start Networking
“I will get to know at least three networking contacts before December of my senior year. I’ll do this by approaching people I recognize from class in the lunchroom at least once per month to learn a bit about their plans for their future. Having a handful of relevant connections will be helpful as we all move into the same job market.”
S: This student has a specific goal and a plan to achieve it.
M: This is measured by making three contacts by approaching people at least once per month.
A: This is an achievable goal.
R: This is a relevant goal for students who will be entering the job market upon graduation.
T: This goal’s deadline is December of senior year.
10. Get an Internship
“I will research five internship opportunities for internships in my field during the coming three months. I will then sit down with my advisor and talk about what steps I need to take next in order to apply for each one.”
S: This is very specific in that you mention how many opportunities you will research and what you will do with that research.
M: This is easily measurable in both time and number of internships to research. You will easily be able to determine if you have completed the required number.
A: This is completely attainable. It only requires sitting down at the computer or using other available resources and setting up an appointment with your advisor.
R: Internships are often requirements for graduation, so that makes this goal completely relatable for students.
T: Three months makes this very time-specific and it even includes which three months you are talking about.
11. Improve Time Management Skills
“For the duration of this semester, I will use my syllabus to set aside study time of one hour for each class twice a week in order to keep abreast of my studies. This will include breaking down larger projects, so I am not rushing to complete them at the last minute.”
S: This is very specific. You state what you will use to make sure you include all classes and you specify how much time you will set aside for each one. You also specify the time period you will use.
M: It will be easy to check off each time you complete a study session on your planner or a calendar.
A: This goal is completely attainable as long as you make sure you follow the schedule you have set up and don't fall victim to saying you will make up the time later.
R: By keeping this schedule in place, you make it possible to complete homework and finish projects in a timely manner that will ensure you are not unduly stressed by deadlines.
T: This is very time-specific as you state the duration of your current semester and specify how much time, and how often, you will spend on each of your classes.
12. Create and Follow a Budget
“For three months, I will create a monthly budget that includes all my essentials, entertainment, and some savings. At the end of each month, I will re-evaluate and revise as necessary.”
S: This is very specific. You specify a time period, what will be included in your budget and how often you will assess your progress.
M: This is easily measurable if you also include a way to keep track of each purchase you make and put a reevaluation date on your calendar that you can check off when completed.
A: Creating the budget is completely attainable. You can make sure of greater success if you ask for help if you are unsure of how to set one up.
R: Budgeting is a skill that will follow you throughout life. Being able to successfully save will help keep you motivated,
T: You specified you would do this for three months and would evaluate at the end of each month. This makes the goal time-related.
13. Expand My Social Circle outside My Major
“In order to become better-rounded, I will join two student groups that are not related to my major this semester. I will make sure to schedule at least bi-weekly meetings into my schedule and attend them. At the end of the semester, I will evaluate whether these groups are something that I wish to continue.”
S: By specifying two groups not related to your major, you make this very specific. You further hone it by stating how often you will make time to attend meetings and when you will evaluate.
M: Measuring is easy by knowing how many groups you join. You can check off the meetings you attend.
A: This is very attainable as there are many groups on a college campus that you can choose from and by writing in scheduled meetings, you can make sure not to overschedule.
R: By seeking groups that are targeted at students outside your major, you ensure your chances of meeting others to connect with that you might not otherwise connect with.
T: Your time limit for this semester before reevaluation makes this very time specific.
14. Develop Leadership Skills
“During this semester, I will volunteer to organize and run a fundraising or community service project in one of my student groups. This will include recruiting volunteers, assigning tasks, and taking care of the essential details to make sure things run smoothly.”
S: This is very specific. You mention what you will do, where you will do it, and when it will be done. You also specify what role and duties you will take on.
M: This is easily measurable in that you either do it or don't.
A: This goal is completely attainable. Most student groups do seek to have fundraisers or do charity work in the community.
R: By organizing the event, taking care that it runs smoothly, and assigning duties to others to carry out, you will be honing natural leadership skills.
T: Saying you will do this during the current semester makes it timely. The event itself will have a date that creates a deadline.
15. Stress Management
“For the next three months, I will take fifteen minutes each night to do a brain dump in my journal in order to clear my mind for a good night's sleep. I will then begin each day with fifteen minutes of gratitude journaling in order to start the day in a positive frame of mind.”
S: By stating how long you will do this, how much time you will spend each morning and night, and what action you will take, you make this very specific.
M: It will be easy to measure by dating each morning and evening's entries. Making a brief note of your daily mood will also help measure whether or not these actions are working.
A: It is very easy to find fifteen minutes to do something, so doing this in the morning and evening is perfectly attainable.
R: Freeing your mind for sleep has been proven to help relieve stress and developing a routine of practicing gratitude is also a great way to rewire your mind. A more positive outlook reduces stress.
T: This is time-specific in that you specify a time period before bed and in the morning and you limit these activities to a period of three months.
Final Thoughts on SMART Goals for College Students
You can reach almost any goal when you do proper planning and set a deadline that pushes you to carry out the necessary steps. Accomplishments that may have seemed out of reach will suddenly become attainable, and you will recognize that you’re worthy of reaching these goals.
When you identify the goals that are the most important to you, you will start to find ways to achieve them–and when you put them in the SMART format, you’ll have a concrete plan. You’ll develop the right kind of attitude you need and start to uncover any overlooked opportunities to get you closer to success.
Use the goals for college students that are in this article as templates for your own goals–and once you achieve one, keep going!
And if you want more SMART goal ideas and examples, be sure to check out these blog posts:
- 7 Internship SMART Goals Examples to Set
- 9 SMART Goals Examples for Mentoring (Both Mentor & Mentee)
- 8 SMART Goals Examples for Improving Your Interpersonal Skills
Finally, if you want to take your goal-setting efforts to the next level, check out this FREE printable worksheet and a step-by-step process that will help you set effective SMART goals.
Connie Mathers is a professional editor and freelance writer. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing and a Master’s Degree in Social Work. When she is not writing, Connie is either spending time with her daughter and two dogs, running, or working at her full-time job as a social worker in Richmond, VA.
