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High School Goals Essay | Short Term and Long Term Goals Essay for Students

August 6, 2021 by Prasanna

High School Goals Essay: All goals are significant and fundamental. Much more modest transient goals since they lead to huge long-haul goals. All of them make up one huge dream. My significant goal is to graduate and have passing marks. Quite possibly the main thing about laying out goals while in school is that everyone should be unmistakable, reachable, and compensating to keep me pushing ahead. Prior to defining any significant goals for myself, I should attempt to guarantee they adjust to the accompanying models.

Secondary school and undergrads frequently get tasks about composing a paper on life goals. A daily existence goals paper is a portrayal of what an understudy needs to be later on and what individual life goals and expert goals he has. You may be thinking ‘yet how would I compose an exposition about my goals?’ Whether you need to seek after a vocation to turn into an instructor or specialist, later on, composing life goals papers can be very difficult. The fundamental reason for such an exposition is to tell your perusers about your professional goals and your arrangements to accomplish them.

You can read more  Essay Writing  about articles, events, people, sports, technology many more.

Essay on High School Goals

In life, you have numerous goals. My goal during the current year is to accomplish passing marks. I need to have the option to do well this year and get great investigation propensities. I’m exceptionally engaged and prepared to start another year.

This year, there are numerous things I need to achieve. Quite possibly the most significant is getting passing marks. I need to have the option to get off at a decent beginning and keep up with my grades. Last year I made some unpleasant memories. I loosened a ton. I believed that each time I missed a task or got an awful grade, I could get up to speed, however, I continued releasing it. This year was not really set in stone to raise my GPA and improve my study propensities.

There are a ton of steps to attempt an accomplish my goal. A primary one is should be more dependable. I need to monitor my schoolwork and record all my task and when there do. I additionally need to accomplish better examination propensities. With the goal for me to well I need to stay on track and not let different things in my public activity occupy me. I need to have the option to do this load of things, and figure out how to become acclimated to them consistently. I accept this load of steps will assist me with accomplishing my goal this year.

Secondary School to some is the most amazing aspect of their lives and to others is the most noticeably awful piece of their life. Concerning me, I accept secondary school is just about defining goals and accomplishing them. By and by, I set up three significant and spurring yet recognizable individual goals to get me through secondary school. My First Goal is to not miss over two days of school in the whole school year. My subsequent goal is to complete my secondary school vocation with the 26 credits that I am required if not possibly more.

At last my third secondary school goal I intend to end secondary school with a 4.2 Grade Point Average. I accept participation is fundamental for an understudy comprehension and accomplishment overall in school. This is my first goal. Going to class consistently not exclusively does extraordinary for your grades yet in addition without you, in any event, seeing it works in you a solid hard-working attitude and discipline. The best part about going to class routinely is that you make amazing companions while you are there.

My subsequent secondary school goal is to complete secondary school with my necessary 26 credits. This is vital to me since, supposing that I don’t have these 26 credits I can not go on to school. Presently numerous understudies underestimate this and simply don’t keep track of their grades. At the point when it comes time to graduate and they cannot graduate with their docks, it won’t be so interesting. On the off chance that you need more credits to graduate and you discover it time.

You can in any case fix the issue by just going to night school or take additional classes at your school. My third goal is the most significant. That is the reason I saved it for last. I need to keep a Grade Point Average of 3.8 or higher. This is vital to my future. This number is fundamentally what represents the moment of truth you in a school application (besides your S.A.T. scores). Having a passing mark point normal is basic in each understudy’s profession as it opens entryways for you with grants, awards, and so on

In Conclusion, I accept that secondary school can be an extremely compensating time for each youthful grown-up whenever oversaw appropriately. Make sure to define substantial and sensible goals for yourself. It is exceptionally significant for you not to define up goals that are out of your compass since when you do that. You are setting yourself up for calamity and disappointment.

FAQ’s on High School Goals Essay

Question 1. What are some goals for high school?

Answer: Some of the common high school goals are:

• Learning time management
• Developing interpersonal skills
• Master leadership and team-leading qualities
• Be an active participant
• Always taking care of self
• Follow your passion

Question 2. How do I write an essay on my goals?

Answer: We can select many topics to write about your goals essay:

• Short term and long term goals
• My 10 years goals
• Education required to reach my goals
• My experiences and goals

Question 3. What are some school goals?

Answer: Think positive to keep on track, Stay tough, Make time to peruse, Deal with your time, Figure out how to unwind, Make progress toward greatness, Assemble a solid organization and Assemble great examination propensities.

Question 4. What are long terms goals for high school students?

Answer: Some of the long term goals are:

• Get a degree and become graduate
• To become a leader
• Find an interesting job
• Focus on career
• Buy your dream house and car
• Save for retirement
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9 Goals for the School Year: What Are Your Educational Goals for 2024?

January is here — a new year, a fresh start. If you’re like many people, you may have some goals you want to accomplish in 2024. Setting some academic goals can help you stay focused and on track for the rest of the school year and beyond. Keep reading to learn more about academic goal setting.

What Are Academic Goals? 

Academic goals are specific objectives or targets designed to help students focus on their studies, enhance their learning experiences, and achieve success in their academic endeavors. These goals can vary widely depending on your aspirations, educational level, and personal circumstances. However, these examples illustrate a few common educational goals:   

• GPA improvement: This might involve improving grades in specific courses or maintaining a high overall GPA. 
• Skill development: Setting goals to develop your academic skills can help you perform better in your classes. These goals might include improving writing, research, critical thinking, presentation, or study and self-study skills . 
• Time management: These goals are designed to help you manage your time more efficiently, such as breaking down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps or allocating time for regular study sessions. 
• Learning a new skill or language: Some students set goals to learn a new skill or language, which may enhance their academic and professional profile. 

9 Goals for the School Year: What Are the Goals of a Student? 

It’s important to set realistic goals for your education that align with your broader career and personal goals. Regularly reviewing and reassessing your educational goals can help you stay focused, motivated, and on track to achieve academic success. 

Improve Your GPA 

Grades are the most important factor that college admissions committees consider, so it’s no wonder that many students want to improve their GPA. That said, don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself by setting unrealistic expectations — if you’re exhausted and burned out from the effort of getting straight A’s, it’s not worth it.    

According to IvyWise counselor  Eric , “if you are a student whose transcript looks like alphabet soup, the world welcomes you — and so will good colleges where you will find your people! You are in good company.” Setting school year goals you can realistically stick to will help you stay motivated. 

No matter what your first-year grades look like, it’s important to maintain an upward grade trend throughout your four years — that is, improving your grades each semester. College admissions officers look for this upward grade trend in transcripts as an indication of academic readiness when it comes time to transition to the more challenging rigor of college-level classes. If you started your high school career with straight A’s, work to maintain that streak! If you started with B’s or C’s, on the other hand, this is the perfect opportunity to improve.

Prepare for the SAT & ACT 

It’s important to know  when to start SAT prep — or ACT prep, if that’s your preference. Even though many schools remain test-optional, test scores can still be an important factor in the college admissions process. So, it’s in your best interest to take the SAT or ACT and get the highest score you can. If you’re unsure about where to start, take a diagnostic test for each exam to determine whether to choose the SAT or ACT.   

IvyWise Master Tutor  Joey suggests that high school students start test prep during their sophomore year. Whether you choose the SAT or ACT, Joey advises to “set achievable goals in a timeframe that makes them possible… By setting goals and allowing ample time, you can more readily space out your test prep sessions and practice tests.” This will give you enough time to make improvements and build your confidence so you feel prepared on test day.  

Create a Career Plan   

Many students see their education as a means to prepare for a future career and set goals related to gaining the necessary qualifications and experiences. Research industries, job roles, and environments that align with your interests and skills. And if you have identified a specific career, look at the education and training requirements.  

You can set both short-term and long-term goals related to your career plan. A short-term goal might be finding a relevant  summer internship that will help you build your resume. A long-term goal might be to complete a graduate program or obtain certifications, depending on the career you choose. If you’re unsure about where to start, your school counselor or an independent college admissions counselor can help identify some areas of interest and can even help you develop an independent project to explore and hone your interests.

Build Your Profile   

A strong student profile includes the activities, awards, and accomplishments you will include in your college and scholarship applications. This typically includes: 

• Extracurricular activities starting from ninth grade, including student clubs and organizations, independent projects, community service, jobs, and internships
• Awards related to your academic performance and/or community service work
• Academics, including your GPA, class rank, test scores, and other relevant information

Course rigor, GPA, and test scores are important in college admissions; however, it’s also important to make an impact in your extracurricular activities. According to IvyWise counselor Katie , “ don’t underestimate the value admission officers see in you committing long-term to an activity, showing up for practice every day, working hard, contributing to group efforts, and navigating challenges — all great qualities that colleges look for in their prospective students.”  

Learn How to Self-Study 

Setting a relevant goal for self-studying can help you improve your GPA and prepare for the more independent learning environment you will experience in college.  Self-studying can help you prepare for AP exams or delve deeper into subjects that interest you — especially if your school’s curriculum doesn’t meet your needs. It’s also a great way to prevent summer brain drain.  

As you’re learning to self-study, experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you. Combine reading with watching videos, listening to podcasts, or participating in online activities. If you take online courses to supplement your school learning, you can add these to your college application once you complete them.  

Learn How to Manage Your Time 

Knowing how to manage your time is critical to your academic success, and learning how to plan your time helps you feel more organized and less stressed. IvyWise Executive Functioning Coach  Lorenza advises students to start planning out their year first. Then get more detailed by planning out smaller increments of time (semester, month, week) down to each day. 

“Students should set aside an hour a week to schedule what is due and get it out of their mind and onto the calendar,” Lorenza says. “Once they can do that, they can focus on working on those specific tasks that have been laid out on the calendar and adjust when needed.” Check out more of our  time management tips for students .  

Learn How to Stay Resilient Without a Lot of Stress 

Balancing academics with extracurriculars and family life can be stressful, but there are steps you can take to build resilience and manage stress more effectively. It’s important to focus on your physical and emotional wellbeing by getting enough sleep, exercising, eating a balanced diet, engaging in hobbies you enjoy, and practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques. You may also find it helpful to cultivate a positive mindset by challenging negative thoughts and focusing on solutions instead of problems. 

Learning how to say no is also important. You can wear yourself out quickly by overcommitting, so politely decline additional responsibilities or tasks if they contribute to excessive stress. It’s also important to practice self-compassion — understand that everyone faces difficulties and setbacks, and it’s okay to ask for help. And don’t forget to acknowledge and celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement can enhance resilience.  

Improve Public Speaking Skills 

Public speaking skills can benefit you academically, personally, and professionally. If this is an area you need to work on, you can build up your confidence by practicing in front of a mirror and recording yourself to identify areas for improvement. You may also find it helpful to watch TED Talks, both to observe the speakers’ techniques and for inspiration. Study their audience engagement techniques and how they structure their speeches. 

Start small by speaking up more in class. As you get more comfortable speaking in public, consider joining your school’s debate club or participating in events that give you a chance to practice your public speaking skills. And don’t forget non-verbal communication! Pay attention to your body language, facial expressions, and gestures, and practice making eye contact with your audience.   

Socialize with Peers 

Socializing may seem counterproductive to your academic goals; however, it benefits you in many ways. It contributes to a positive and collaborative learning environment, enhances communication and teamwork skills, and provides the emotional support essential for academic success. Engaging with a variety of viewpoints enhances your critical thinking skills and broadens your understanding of different subjects.  

Other benefits of socializing with your peers include networking opportunities and improved teamwork, leadership, and communication skills. Working with diverse groups of people also increases your cultural and social awareness. Of course, you can also build new friendships, reduce stress, promote a sense of belonging, and strengthen your support system — all of which will help you academically and personally.  

How to Set Goals for the School Year 

SMART goals are a framework for setting effective educational goals that are clear, focused, and attainable — they work for career and life goals, too. What are SMART goals? SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. By incorporating these elements into your goal-setting process, you create a roadmap that guides your efforts, increases motivation, and provides a clear way to measure your progress. Here’s a breakdown of each element of a SMART goal: 

Specific: 

• Clearly define what you want to accomplish. 
• Specify the who, what, where, when, and why of the goal. 

Measurable:  

• Establish criteria to track progress and determine when the goal is achieved. 
• Quantify or qualify the goal to make it measurable. 

Achievable: 

• Ensure that the goal is realistic and attainable. 
• Consider the resources, skills, and time available to achieve the goal. 

Relevant:  

• Ensure that the goal aligns with your overall objectives and is relevant to your priorities. 
• Consider how the goal fits into the broader context of your personal or academic development. 

Time-Bound:  

• Set a specific timeframe for achieving the goal. 
• Establish deadlines to create a sense of urgency and focus. 

Let’s say you want to set a goal to increase your overall GPA from 3.0 to 3.5 by the end of the academic semester. Here’s what that looks like with the SMART framework:  

Specific  

• What: Increase overall GPA
• Why: To enhance academic performance and unlock opportunities for future academic and career pursuits
• How: By implementing effective study strategies and prioritizing academic tasks

Measurable 

• Current GPA: 3.0 
• Target GPA: 3.5 
• Measurement: Track GPA regularly through academic transcripts and grade updates.

Achievable 

• Resources: Utilize tutoring services, form study groups, and attend office hours for clarification.
• Study Habits: Develop a structured study schedule, participate actively in class, and seek additional learning resources when needed. 

Relevant 

• Alignment: Improving GPA is directly related to achieving academic success and can help me get closer to reaching my career goals.  
• Personal Values: Achieving a higher GPA aligns with the personal goal of continuous improvement and excellence. 

Time-Bound 

• Timeline: Achieve the target GPA of 3.5 by the end of the next academic semester. 
• Intermediate Milestones: Set specific GPA targets for the midpoint of the semester to track progress. 

How to Reach Your Goals During Your School Year 

A strategic approach is crucial for achieving educational goals because it involves careful planning, thoughtful decision-making, and a systematic course of action. If you want to improve your GPA, for example, you need to devise a strategy for achieving this goal. Will you rely only on self-discipline and determination, or will you reach out for external help, such as tutoring services or group study sessions? Think about what approach works best for you to achieve your goals. 

Just be careful not to set too many goals. IvyWise counselor  Robin advises students to prioritize their college prep goals instead of trying to tackle too many things all at once. Watch the video to find out more: 

A little extra support can go a long way toward helping you achieve your educational goals.  IvyWise college admissions counselors are committed to helping students stay on track academically and with their extracurriculars to give them the best chance of gaining acceptance into their best-fit college programs.  Contact us to learn more about how we tailor our counseling services to your needs.  

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Home » IvyWise College Admissions Blog » College Admission Advice » College Prep » 9 Goals for the School Year: What Are Your Educational Goals for 2024?

31 SMART Goals Examples for Students of All Ages

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A new school year is underway, and students are facing unprecedented challenges as most are having to “learn how to learn” in a whole new way. Due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, students have brought traditional classroom learning back into their own homes, giving a huge rise to the relatively new concept of online education.

But, despite learning environments taking on a new look, students are still eager to get back into a routine , learn new things , and make some marked progress in their extra-curricular activities of choice . 

While students have always needed motivation and self-discipline to excel in school, this new academic climate takes that requirement to the next level. Students no longer have a teacher looking over their shoulder or instructing them to put their smart phones down and pay attention. It’s now up to all learners to be proactive in their studies and feel a sense of responsibility for their educational outcomes.

Teachers can support students in this endeavor by teaching proper goal-setting techniques so students can focus their efforts appropriately, effectively manage their time , and see the positive results of their work. And setting SMART goals isn’t just important for helping students focus and maintain their momentum during these months of virtual learning–it’s a critical skill they will use for the rest of their lives. 

(If you're a teacher looking for some inspiration in creating your own SMART goals, check out this post .)

Now, if you’re the student, learning the art of setting SMART goals will help you continuously improve yourself, which will help you gain a competitive advantage over your peers once you enter the working world. And, the simple act of setting effective goals will be an integral part of your success.  

According to Locke and Latham’s goal setting theory , two people with the same skills and knowledge can perform very differently on the same task if they have different performance goals because their goals ultimately determine their motivation to succeed. Whoever is more driven to succeed will probably do so.

In this article, we are going to look at the value of SMART goals and why students of all ages should know how to set SMART goals to lay the foundation for their academic success.

Then we will go over 21 specific examples of statements that students can use to improve their performance at school, in their extra-curricular activities, and in their lives in general. (And if you want a simple tool to track these goals, then check out this 13-week goal planner, backed by science and success psychology, that is designed to optimize your day and help you tackle your goals .)

Let’s start by taking a look at what SMART goals are and why they’re so valuable.

Table of Contents

What Is a SMART Goal?

SMART goals are statements that turn your vague intentions into an actionable plan. They provide you with a strategy to achieve your vision by guiding you to set objectives that fit into the “SMART” mold. 

The SMART acronym exists in a variety of forms, but each one touches on the same fundamental ideas. Here, we refer to SMART goals as being Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Let’s look at each one of these characteristics individually.

• Specific : If a goal isn’t explicit and precise, your efforts won’t be either. To be specific, a goal should be written with no wiggle room when asking who, what, when, where, or why.
• Measurable : If your goal is measurable, there will be some way you can measure your progress at any point along the way.
• Achievable : Working toward your goal can either lead to satisfaction, which will motivate you to push yourself even harder –or it will lead to frustration if you don’t see any progress, which can make you want to quit. After taking all other factors into consideration, ask yourself how realistic it is to attain your goal. This will help you determine if it’s achievable. 
• Relevant : It’s important that your goals matter to you or else you will be quick to abandon them after hitting an obstacle. If your goal is relevant, you will answer “yes” to these questions: Is working toward this goal worthwhile? Is now the right time? Will achieving this goal move me closer to my ultimate vision ?
• Time-Bound : Your SMART goals need a deadline so you stay focused and prevent other less important tasks from taking priority and becoming a distraction . With a sense of urgency, you will know what you can do today, next week, and next month to make progress toward achieving your goal. 

( Check out this post on action verbs that you can use to create your SMART goals. )

Let’s take a quick look at what these goals do not look like to help further your understanding of them:

• Not Specific: I’m going to be happier .
• Not Measurable: I’m going to increase my savings .
• Not Achievable: I will go on 30 job interviews per month.
• Not Relevant: As an 8th grader, I’m going to get ahead of the game and apply to ten colleges this year.
• Not Time-Bound: I will be at a healthy weight someday.

SMART goals set you in the right direction, push you to take that critical first step, and keep your goals organized so you can achieve them.

Why Is It Particularly Important for Students to Set SMART Goals?

It’s important for people in any stage of life to set goals, but because students are immersed in a learning environment, which often leads their learning to go beyond the subject at hand, this is the perfect time to practice setting SMART goals. Also, with so much being expected of students, there is a lot of material to work with (so to speak) for setting goals and maintaining order in life.

One longitudinal study looked at the relationship between goal setting and student achievement in over 1200 high school students learning Spanish. The researchers performed a correlational analysis that revealed a statistically significant relationship between the process of setting goals and students’ proficiency in Spanish.

The researchers went on to explain that setting goals gave the students a greater sense of autonomy in their learning, which lead to higher levels of motivation to succeed in their studies.  ( Check out our compilation of the best motivational movies for students. )

This suggests that students who set goals are more motivated to learn than those who don’t, which leads to better educational outcomes. Seeing as autonomy is an integral part of today’s learning culture, there’s no better time than now for students to become pros at setting SMART goals.

Now, let’s look at 31 examples of SMART goals that you can use if you’re a student to increase your chances of being successful in school–not only for this year, but for many years to come as well.

31 SMART Goals Examples for Students of All Ages 

1. meet each of my teachers.

“I will meet with each of my teachers individually within the first two weeks of class to start building a rapport and gain clarity of their expectations so I will feel comfortable going to them with future questions throughout the year.”

S : This statement answers all of the questions: who, what, when, where, and why.

M : Each meeting with a teacher acts as one unit of measurement and progress can be measured at any point during that two-week time frame by counting the number of meetings left to do. 

A : The goal setter has all of the tools they need to achieve this goal.

R : This goal is relevant to the student’s success in class.

T : The goal setter has set a two-week deadline for achieving this goal.

2. Complete Assignments One Day Before the Deadline

“I will complete all of my assignments this year at least one day before they’re due to avoid rushing through any work. To do this, I will list all of my assignments in order of their due date and work through them accordingly. I will spend 30 minutes every Sunday night determining which projects need attention during the week ahead.”

S : The specific goal set is to complete all assignments one day before they’re due.

M : The goal setter will know his progress with the passing of each assignment’s deadline.  

A : By being organized with a list of assignments and a schedule for completing them, the goal setter has made an achievable goal. 

R : Finishing projects before they’re due is an appropriate way to avoid turning in work that has been hurried.

T : The deadline for this goal is threefold: 1) one day prior to each assignment’s due date 2) every Sunday night 3) the end of the school year.

3. Raise my Hand at Least Five Times Each Week

“To keep myself accountable for my learning, I will raise my hand at least five times each week in class to answer a question posed by the teacher.”

S : The clear objective is to answer at least five of the teacher’s questions in class per week.

M : Each time a question is answered, the goal setter has made progress toward meeting his goal.

A : The student will stay on top of his assigned reading, homework, etc in order to be prepared to answer the teacher’s questions.

R : It’s worth the goal setter’s time to participate in class if he wants to stay accountable for his learning.

T : The deadline for this goal is every Friday at the end of the day. 

4. Improve my Grade in English

“To improve my grade in English to a B or higher, I will complete all of the grammar, punctuation, writing mechanics, and word usage modules in the writing center, scoring at least a 92% on each within the next 4 months.”  

S : The unambiguous nature of this goal makes it specific. 

M : Progress can be tracked as each module has been completed with a score of 92% or above.

A : As the student becomes more skilled at using proper grammar and punctuation, his English grade will improve accordingly.

R : Spending extra time completing English modules is a worthwhile way to improve an English grade.

T : The deadline for this goal is 4 months from the starting date.

5. Practice Reading for 20 Minutes Per Day

“I will demonstrate growth in my reading accuracy and fluency by the last day of school by reading 70 words per minute with 95% accuracy. I will practice reading for a minimum of 20 minutes per day.” 

( Note : This SMART goal is designed for a student at the third grade level. While this may seem like a young age to write such an articulate goal, many teachers offer fill-in-the-blank worksheets to help younger students practice setting goals such as this one.)

S : This student wants to be able to read 70 words per minute with 95% accuracy.

M : Progress can be checked by doing reading tests throughout the year to look for improvement.

A : By practicing reading every day, the student will improve his reading skills.

R : It is appropriate and relevant for a child this age to learn how to read to set himself up for future success.

T : This goal’s deadline is the last day of school. 

6. Practice my Lines with a Fellow Student

“By September 15th, I will have found another student who also enjoys theater with whom I can practice lines in order to audition for the school play. We will practice for three hours per week together and I will practice for four additional hours per week alone until auditions on November 5th to land a role in the school play.”

S : This student has set a specific plan to improve his chances of earning a role in the school play.

M : There are two measurable parts to this goal–one is finding a partner by September 15th and the other is completing seven total hours of practice each week.

A : By practicing, this student will have a higher chance of achieving his goal.

R : Because theater is this student’s extracurricular activity of choice, practicing for the play’s audition is relevant.

T : This goal has two deadlines: September 15th to find a partner, and November 5th, which is the day of tryouts. 

7. Complete 10 College Applications

“I will complete ten college applications by January 1st to help ensure I get accepted into a school.”

( Note : This goal would be for a high school senior.)

S : This goal statement is clear and to the point.

M : With each application completed, the student will become closer to achieving this goal.

A : While ten college applications may have seemed unreasonable 15 years ago, it is not uncommon for high school seniors to apply to 20 or more colleges today .

R : Applying to college as a high school senior is a relevant goal.

T : The deadline for this goal is January 1st.

8. Work with a Tutor and Take Practice Tests

“To earn an SAT score that is over the 75th percentile range for my target colleges, I will work with a tutor weekly and take practice tests every 2-4 weeks to measure my incremental progress until the test date in December.”

( Note : This goal would be for a high school junior.)

S : This student wants to get a better score on his SATs than 75% of his peers applying to similar colleges.

M : His progress can be measured with the results of his practice tests.

A : By dedicating so much time and energy to studying for the SATs, this student will increase his chances of achieving a high score.

R : All students must take the SATs, so preparing for them is relevant for this student’s stage in his education.

T : This goal’s deadline is the date of the test in December.

9. Receive a Job Offer

“I will receive a job offer in my field of study by May 1st to make a seamless transition from college to working in the professional world.”

( Note : This goal would be for anyone finishing up a degree-seeking program.)

S : This student wants to accept a job offer before graduating from their program.

M : Each job application and interview this student completes will show measurable progress toward his goal. 

A : Because this person is graduating with a degree in the field in which they’re job searching, this is an achievable goal.

R : Job searching is relevant to people’s lives who are nearing graduation from a degree-seeking program.

T : The deadline for this goal is May 1st.

Check out our post on SMART goal examples for college students to help you achieve success in college!

10. Develop New Peer Relationships

“I will develop 5 new peer relationships by the end of the year with people I’ve never interacted with at school before. I’ll do this by sitting with an unfamiliar group of people for lunch at least once per month, asking one person in each of my classes to be my accountability partner for that class, and interacting with the other students who engage in the same extracurricular activities as I do outside of those meetings.”

S : This student wants to develop 5 meaningful connections or relationships with peers before the end of this year.

M : Each new relationship this student cultivates will show marked progress toward his goal.

A : By putting himself out there and being proactive about meeting new people, it is probable that this student will develop friendships that go beyond that of an acquaintance.

R : This goal is worthwhile because as students graduate over the years and move to other cities, it will always be useful to have connections, whether that ends up being for personal or professional purposes.

T : The deadline for this goal is the end of the school year. 

11. Prioritize My Assignments

“I will accurately prioritize my work every night to avoid having to stay up late to complete my assignments. I will do this by setting aside ten minutes before starting my homework each night to rank my assignments in order of importance and due date. “

S : The goal is to maintain a proper study/sleep schedule.

M : The number of nights the student goes to bed on time can be measured.

A : Ten minutes is a reasonable amount of time to spend planning.

R : Time management is relevant for all students.

T: This goal offers a chance for a weekly check-in.

12. Attend my Classes on Time

“I will not be late to any classes this semester, nor will I have an unexcused absence. I will make sure I am on time by getting up 15 minutes earlier every morning. “

S : The goal is to show up to class on time.

M : This goal is measured by the number of times this student is late or absent from class.

A : Fifteen minutes is a reasonable amount of time to add to the morning to ensure timeliness.

R : Leaving early is relevant to showing up on time.

T : The deadline for this goal is every day.

13. Read at Least 400 Pages Every Month

“To expand my knowledge base, I will read at least 400 pages every month of material that is not assigned in class. I will do this by reading for two hours on the weekends and 30 minutes daily Monday through Thursday.”

S : This student wants to read for pleasure to learn more outside of the classroom.

M : The number of pages read per month and the time spent reading are both measurable.

A : The amount of reading desired to be completed is achievable.

R : Reading more is a relevant goal for any student who is trying to grow their knowledge base.

T : There is a monthly reading benchmark of 400 pages for this goal.

14. Find a Spanish-Speaking Pen Pal

“By February 1st, I will have found a Spanish-speaking pen pal through social media to supplement my studies and increase my fluency.”

S : This student wants to make a friend who speaks fluent Spanish to enhance their communication skills.

M : This goal is measured by meeting one fluent Spanish-speaking friend.

A : Given the fact that social media spans the world, this goal is achievable.

R : Communicating one-on-one is an effective way to learn a foreign language, which makes this goal relevant.

T : The deadline for this goal is February 1st.

15. Join a Local Professional Association and Networking Events

“To become active in my industry at a local level, I will join the local professional association student chapter by February 1st. I will then attend at least two networking sessions every month.”

S : Getting involved with a professional association is a clear step students can take to help get a job.

M : The number of networking events attended each month can be measured.

A : Attending two sessions per month is achievable.

R : This is a relevant goal for gaining experience and networking.

T : The deadline for this goal is February 1st, as is the number of sessions attended per month.

16. Apply to Scholarships

“By March 1st, I will have applied for five scholarships to help cover my college tuition.”

S : This student wants to apply for scholarships with the hope of reducing the financial burden of college.

M : The number of scholarships applied for by March 1st can be measured.

A : Applying for five scholarships is achievable with proper time management.

R : This is a relevant goal for most students.

T : The deadline for this goal is March 1st.

17. Limit Social Media Use and Gaming

“To stay focused on my studies, I will limit the use of social media and gaming to Friday and Saturday nights until the end of the year.”

S: This student wants to restrict their social media and gaming time to Friday and Saturday nights to prevent distraction from school during the week.

M: This goal can be measured each week.

A: This is an achievable goal for any student.

R: This is a relevant goal for students who want to focus on their grades.

T: The deadline for this goal is the end of the academic year.

18. Meet with Guidance Counselor Once a Month

“I will meet with the guidance counselor once per month to make sure I’m taking care of myself , engaging in stress management, and tending to my emotional wellbeing.”

S : This student wants to ensure their personal wellness by regularly meeting with a guidance counselor.

M : This goal is measured by one meeting per month.

A : This is an achievable goal.

R : This is a relevant goal for students who are frequently under stress.

T : The deadline for this goal is the end of every month.

19. Establish Myself as a Leader

“By the end of the third week of school, I will have found a leadership role to take on to boost my resume, whether that’s for a class project, on a sports team, or in the community.”

S : This student wants to develop their leadership skills by finding a leadership role to hold.

M : This goal is measured by the number of leadership roles this student has found in the set time frame, with the goal being one.

R : This is a relevant goal.

T : The deadline for this goal is three weeks into the semester.

20. Maintain a 3.8 GPA

“I will maintain a 3.8 GPA this year by meeting with my teachers monthly to ensure I am on the right track.”

S : This student wants to maintain a 3.8 GPA this school year.

M : This goal can be measured by the student’s GPA at any given time.

A : Keeping in close contact with teachers makes this goal achievable.

R : This is a relevant goal for any student.

T : The deadline for this goal is the end of the academic year.

21. Secure a Professional mentor

“I will secure a professional mentor by Jan. 15th to help me with my post-graduation job search. I will do this by joining my school’s mentorship program and then meeting with my mentor weekly to offer guidance.”

S : This student wants to receive guidance in their job search by having a professional mentor by January 15th.

M : This goal is measured by securing a professional mentor.

A : This goal is achievable and resources are offered by the school.

R : Having a professional mentor is relevant to getting a job.

T : The deadline for this goal is January 15th.

22. Research Volunteer Opportunities

“Before October 15th, I will spend 20-30 minutes every night for 1 week, researching 10 volunteer opportunities of interest to me. This includes visiting websites and sending email queries. By November 1st, I must have committed to a cause and started my volunteer work to improve my college application.”

S:  The goal is to begin volunteering.

M: Once they’ve contacted and heard back from 10 organizations.

A:  Setting a timer, or adding a reminder to your smart calendar, for 25 minutes – repeating daily for one week makes this achievable. 

R:  The goal is relevant to make their college application more appealing.

T: The goal setter has a firm deadline of November 1st to begin volunteer work.

23. Meet with a Therapist to Help Me with My Anxiety

“By the end of the first month of school, I will arrange to meet regularly with a licensed therapist or counselor to address my social anxiety issues, in order to better prepare for my post-graduate job interviews. I will then begin scheduling interviews by January 1st.”

S:  The goal is to obtain counseling service, online or in person.

M: Each appointment with the therapist marks progress.

A:  With help, the student will gain confidence and succeed in scheduling interviews.

R: The counselor will ensure they are prepared to secure interviews

T: Emails and phone calls, queries must be sent on or before January 1st.

24. Improve my Math Grade

“I will increase my math grade from a B to an A by the end of the 2nd marking period by taking advantage of the free online tutoring program, offered through the township. I will meet once per week for one hour with my tutor, as well as take advantage of supplemental materials my teacher posts on Google classroom. I will check in with my teacher halfway through the marking period to ensure I’m on track for a full grade improvement. I will also ask for extra credit work, need be.”

S:  The goal is to improve their math grade.

M:  Weekly meetings with the tutor will track progress.

A:  There is a support system of tutoring, supplemental materials and teacher input.

R:  The vast amount of resources make it possible to improve the grade and obtain a better GPA.

T: The timeline is the end of the 2nd marking period.

25. Save Money for my Backpacking Trip

“I will raise $4500 this school year to be able to backpack through Europe for 45 days over the summer. I will replace one social activity or hobby in order to increase hours spent working at a part-time job, babysitting, landscaping, freelancing or tutoring. I will work at least 15 hours per week and deposit my entire paycheck (minus $25) until I’ve reached my goal.”

S:  The student will raise $4500 to cover a trip to Europe.

M : Each deposit will confirm the student is on track.

A:  The average school year is 10 months long. The student only needs to earn $450 per month, or $112.50 per week. The average minimum wage across the US is roughly $12.00 per hour. At this calculation, the student technically only needs to work about 10 hours per week. They will surpass that and leave money in their budget for incidentals and other living expenses.   

R: Winter and Spring breaks make it possible to work more hours, allowing for flexibility in reaching this goal. 

T: The student has approximately 10 months (September – June) to reach this goal.

26. Increase my Awareness of Current Events

“I will increase my awareness of current events around the world by subscribing to 2 reputable news outlets – print, podcast or online – by September 1st. I will replace 30 minutes of time usually spent on social media catching up. I will start a blog to discuss these matters intelligently, posting 1 article each Sunday.” 

S:  The goal is to be aware and be able to speak competently about what’s going on in the world.

M:  Confirmation of two subscriptions and setting a calendar reminder to block out 30 minutes daily to read or listen.  Then posting 1 blog post each Sunday.

A:  Subscriptions are instantaneous and easily accessible for any smart device or computer.

R:  Starting a blog is public confirmation of what you’ve learned.

T:  September 1st deadline for subscribing and starting to blog by the following Sunday.

27. Get at Least 8 Hours of Sleep Each Night

“By the end of the first month of high school, I will commit to getting at least 8 hours of sleep each night. I will do this by utilizing an online calendar to prioritize assignments and activities. I will also turn off my cell phone one hour before bed and practice meditation and breathing exercises to fall asleep faster.

This goal is geared towards middle and high schoolers.

S:  The goal is to get more sleep, preferably the recommended daily amount for 13-18 year olds. 

M:  Having a set bedtime and using an alarm, set for 8 hours later.

A:  Organizing the student’s calendar during the day or at the start of each week, eliminating distractions make this goal achievable.

R:  Proper sleep is crucial for your brain and body to function at its highest level, increasing academic performance.

T:  The routine must start by the end of the first month of school. This gives the student time to get to know their schedule and work it to account for additional sleep.

28. Learn to Play a Musical Instrument

“I will make myself more appealing to colleges by taking a risk and stepping out of my comfort zone. I will learn to play the guitar by taking private lessons 1 day per week, as well as utilizing apps in my spare time.  I will secure a teacher by Sept. 21st and commit to practicing at least 15 minutes each day.”

S:  The goal is to learn to play guitar.

M:  Each private lesson is validation, as well as completing 15 minutes of practice daily.

A:  The teacher and plethora of online apps make this goal possible.

R:  This is relevant for improving one’s appeal on a college application.

T:  The student must have a teacher by September 21st.

29. Run my First Marathon

“I will run my first marathon in 6 months. I will register for the marathon ahead of time. Starting today, I will begin my training with an easy 30-minute run. I will follow my run, strength training and diet plan as outlined. I will find myself a partner to keep me accountable.”

S:  The goal is to run a marathon.

M:  A printable training plan, or app tracker, will mark his progress each day. The accountability partner (virtual or in-person) will help motivate the student to stay on track.

A:  The average time to train for a marathon is 16-20 weeks. The student is allowing himself 24 weeks to account for any physical or personal setbacks. 

R:  Running a marathon is both a personal achievement, as well as impressive on a college application. It involves physical and mental strength to succeed.

T:  The student must be ready to race within 6 months in a predetermined marathon.

30. Improve my Memory and Retention

“I will improve my memory and retention by the midway point of this school year by developing daily habits that support and increase brain function and capacity. This will result in better grades. I will eliminate distractions when studying, and avoid cramming. I will use visual tactics. I will write notes on index cards, instead of typing them on a computer. I will spend 30 minutes each Sunday morning reading over my index cards.”

S:  The goal is to improve memory function and information retention.

M:  Setting a timer or calendar event for 30 minutes each Sunday.   

A:  By turning off smart devices for a few minutes, to one hour, during the week in order to commit a few minutes to improving memory function with the tools and tips available. 

R:  Studies show improved brain function will result in better academic and career performance. It can also help you live longer and age slower. 

T:  The student should see improvements in their school work by the middle of the school year (January/February).

31. Keep my Apartment Neat and Clean

“I will keep our apartment neater in order to foster a better, and more productive, living and study environment. To do this, I will work with my roommate to come up with a schedule or chore chart.  We will agree to set aside 15 minutes each day (alternating days) to spot clean all high-traffic areas (ie. kitchen, bathroom, living room). We will work together for a full-house clean (dust, vacuum, mop) 1 day per week for 1 hour. We will each do our laundry one day per week, on different days.”

S:  The goal is to have a neat apartment.

M:  Progress will be measured when each item is checked off the chore chart, or marked as completed on the shared calendar.

A:  This goal is achievable by working together and holding each other accountable. Also, advanced scheduling makes things simpler and eliminates the back and forth of whose turn it is.

R:  This is a relevant goal, as a messy living space fosters distraction and discomfort. 

T:  The goal is for each roommate to spend approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes each week clearing the apartment, accounting for one day “off”.

Final Thoughts

Younger learners who are at the beginning of their life’s journey are at an opportune time to build their skills in setting goals. These SMART goal-setting skills will benefit them for the rest of their lives and developing them now will help students design their futures in whatever unique way is personally meaningful to them. 

Very young students can benefit from learning how to set goals because it will give them the opportunity to experience small wins, which will help them develop self-confidence and belief in themselves. 

If you're looking for examples for kids, check out these SMART goals examples for children .

For specific examples related to physical education, check out this article .

And, for students of all ages (and also those with ADHD ), writing a carefully considered goal is only the first half of the battle. Intentional actions need to follow in the footsteps of these powerful statements in order for any goal to be met. 

Consider your strengths and weaknesses when drafting your SMART goals for education and think about strategies that have worked in the past for reaching your goals.

For example, some people find it’s most effective to identify the end goal and then work backwards to the beginning to create a schedule of objectives.

You just need to find what works best for you–and in the meantime, if you start working toward a goal and realize your strategy isn’t productive, don’t shy away from changing it.

Want to get started? Here are some SMART goal templates you can download and print.

And if you want more SMART goal ideas and examples, be sure to check out these blog posts:

• 9 SMART Goals Examples for Mentoring (Both Mentor & Mentee)
• 7 Internship SMART Goals Examples to Set
• 15 SMART Goals Examples for Kids

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.

Essays About Goals: Top 5 Examples Plus 10 Prompts

Goals could be a one-time event or a lifelong growth process. Write effectively with the help of our essays about goals and writing prompts in our guide. 

Having goals helps us have a sense of purpose. We find our determination, discipline, and strategic thinking tested to their limits. The road toward any goal, especially ambitious ones, is full of thorns and spikes. Some walk away and accept that these goals are not destined for them. Some, however, keep pressing forward, determined to achieve these goals. Gaining confidence in writing can help you achieve your goals by putting pen to paper and starting a plan.

5 Essay Examples

1.  are you goal or growth conscious by katherine beneby, 2. how to help an employee figure out their career goals by dorie clark, 3. no goals: why is it so hard to do something for enjoyment’s sake by jenny valentish, 4. get inspired: how four hikers accomplished their 2021 hiking goals by anna roth , 5. does sharing your goals on social media make you more likely to achieve them by kristan russell, 1. my goals in life, 2. travel goals, 3. the goal of forming better study habits, 4. climate goals: are we progressing, 5. importance of fitness goals, 6. fiscal policy goals, 7. failing at your goals, 8. setting lofty vs. light goals, 9. poverty reduction goals, 10. my academic goals.

“The difference between goals and growth is that goals are seasonal, while growth is lifelong. Goals focus on a destination while growth focuses on a journey.”

In this essay, the writer discusses how achieving our goals may be possible if we reframe our minds to think of them as a growth process. This essay enumerates the difficulties of achieving our objectives and offers guidance on what will help put structure in how we formulate our growth plans. You might also be interested in these essays about bad habits .

“It’s not always possible to help the people we supervise identify and work toward their career goals… [S]o when we can assist our employees in getting there, it’s a meaningful way we can make a difference in their lives and their professional success.”

As per our list of topics to write about , this essay looks at how managers must realize their critical roles in the lives of the employees they handle. Their biggest contribution to the development of their employees is helping them achieve their tasks at work while ensuring these victories lead to their broader career goals. You might also be wondering, why write goals down?

“Once, to stave off depression, I set myself the goal-tastic mission of doing something new every day for a year – from flying in a glider to blowing things up – and blogging about it. Right from day one, the sense of focus lifted my mood, and there was frankly no time to overthink.”

In this essay, the writer looks at how atelic activities, or those we do for fun, positively influence our outlook. Our goal-driven world, however, hinders us from seeing the pure joy of doing things without goals. You might be interested in these essays about dream jobs .

“Last year, she set a goal to simply go hiking at all. And she’s thrilled to have made it happen, saying it was one of the best things she could have done for herself and her family during such a challenging year.”

This writer describes points to inspire people to start hiking and to set personal fitness goals. Look no further and turn to the inspiring stories of people who have targeted to hike across states, hike for the first time, hike once a month for health purposes, and hike a hundred miles yearly. For more inspiration, check out these essays about achievement .

“Wellness gurus and fitness bloggers seem to be divided between whether sharing goals on your social media sabotages you or holds you accountable.“

This essay revolves around a nascent study that aims to see if sharing your goals on social media make them more attainable. While initial results show that those who posted made significant progress compared to people who did not post, more questions need to be explored. You might be inspired by these essays about success .

10 Prompts on Essays About Goals

In this essay, delve into your short-term, medium-term, and long-term goals. Before anything else, elaborate on what drew you to set these goals. Then, share your action plans to make them a reality. Discuss the obstacles you’ve faced and how you’ve conquered them. 

What is the one destination you dream of? For this essay, daydream about your travel goals. Direct that excitement and write your travel itinerary, the duration of your stay, where you will be staying, and what daring activities you will dare yourself to plunge into. You can also talk about whom you would like to be with when you fulfill your travel goals or if you prefer going solo.

It is a challenge to hit the books when we live in a world with unlimited distractions. In this topic prompt, share effective study habits to help students focus on their studies. One helpful tip, for example, is designing your environment to be conducive to a habit change. In the case of study habits, this means temporarily eliminating access to social media and other digital distractions. Cite more tips and conclude your essay with a few words of motivation.

Under the Paris Agreement , the landmark international agreement to fight climate change, countries must jointly strive to arrest global warming and cap it to 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2030. The question is: is this goal still on the table? Read recent news articles on how countries are following through on their Paris Treaty pledges. Listen to what environmentalists say about national efforts and tackle what more must be done to attain the climate goals. 

Fitness is a common new year’s resolution but try convincing your readers to start their fitness goals today. First, help your readers explore the right dietary program and workout schedule based on their daily demands. 

Then, underscore the importance of a fitness goal for gaining self-esteem and improving physical and mental health. Entice them with the idea of gaining a new exciting skill from a new workout activity and motivate them to start unlocking the fit version of themselves today. 

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries recorded ballooning debts as governments spent heavily to fight the pandemic and also support struggling sectors. So first, determine whether your country is in a tight fiscal space. 

The fiscal space assessment framework created by the International Monetary Fund may help you identify the metrics and data to gather. Then, shed light on your government’s fiscal policy goals to address debt while spending in sectors that guarantee an economy’s long-term health, such as education and social services. 

How do people receive failures? Write about people’s attitudes and actions when they fail at their goals. Can people develop depression, and how can they recover from the fall? Try to answer these and share your experience of failing at your goals. 

Ask yourself: How did you move forward after that? Then, share your opinions on whether a failure signifies that it would be best for someone to find a new goal altogether or try again with stronger determination and a better-calculated strategy. 

Which is better: aiming for a lofty goal that opens risks of failure, which many fear, or light goals that might do little in stretching out your potential? Answer this by listing the pros and cons of each. Then help readers strike the optimum balance between a loft or light goal. Cite examples of lofty and light goals to help your readers better differentiate the two.

For this essay, take a deep dive into the poverty reduction efforts of your government. First, give an overview of an ongoing flagship poverty reduction program and uncover its outcomes since its implementation. Read through government reports about the breakthrough goals of the program and which ones are gaining momentum. 

Then, look at the other side of the fence by listening to what critics say about the program. Take note of their laments about bottlenecks in the program and what more can be done to attain poverty reduction goals swiftly. 

Start with a descriptive paragraph detailing your academic goals. Writing about it vividly, as though it is the reality, is a creative way to show readers how much you have played out the scenarios of success in your head while helping your readers fully understand your goals. Then snap back to reality and discuss your action plan to realize these goals.

For related topics, you may check our essays about dreams in life . Don’t forget to proofread your essay with the best grammar checkers .

• Applying For Scholarships

Writing Tips for a Career Goals Essay (2023)

Jennifer Finetti Mar 1, 2023

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For your college scholarship essay, you may be asked about your career goals. The scholarship committee wants to see how investing in your education will help your career. Do you have a definitive plan? Will a college education fit into that plan? These are the answers they want to see.

In this guide, we will provide some scholarship essay examples about career goals to jumpstart your essay writing.

Writing tips for career goals scholarship essays

Here are some quick tips for writing career goal scholarship essays:

• Write about career goals that tie into the scholarship. This doesn’t mean you have to lie about your career goals to make them fit. Find a way to relate them to the scholarship committee or other elements of the scholarship.
• Be precise about your career goals. Avoid vague statements that suggest you do not have a plan. Judges like to see determination because it shows they’re making a worthy educational investment.
• Discuss how your education will help you achieve your career goals. The scholarship will assist with your education. Show a connection between the two so they can see why you deserve this scholarship.
• If you mention multiple goals, indicate which one you feel most strongly about. Longer essays may allow you to mention a backup plan, but the committee needs to see where your focus lies.
• Avoid cliché statements. Describe how your specific talents, experiences, and degree pursuits will help you succeed.
• Point out solutions, not problems. You may mention struggles you’ve had in the past, but pinpoint how you will learn from them. Moreover, show how those struggles led to your career goals.
• Organize your thoughts in a fluid manner. This will most likely be in chronological order, starting with your degree and progressing through your career growth.
• Write, revise, rest, revise. This goes for any essay writing. Write the first draft from start to finish. Then read through it and edit any grammar or flow errors. Take a break, preferably overnight, and then re-read your content with fresh eyes.

The fastest path to earning scholarships

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Example 1: Scholarship essay about career goals (100 words)

In a 100-word scholarship essay, you need to quickly make your point. There is not enough room for a lengthy intro or backstory. Use concise, comprehensive statements to deliver the most information in the fewest words.

I’m a sophomore at Texas Tech University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Companion Animal Science. After graduation, I hope to attend Texas A&M to become a veterinarian serving rescue organizations and animal shelters. I was born and raised in the south, where it is common for people to abandon animals in rural areas. Those animals then go into a rescue – emaciated, frightened, and confused. I want to work with rescues to provide affordable veterinary medicine to the animals they save. This scholarship would help me continue my education and potentially save thousands of abandoned animals in the future.

Word count: 99

Example 2: Scholarship essay about career goals (250 words)

With a 250-word scholarship essay, you have a little more room to discuss the details of your career goals. You can explain situations from your past that inspired your career pursuits. You could use one paragraph to talk about your short-term goals and another to talk about your long-term goals. Just make sure the big picture ties into the scholarship.

My name is Patrick Holden and I am a freshman at the University of Michigan, majoring in English and minoring in linguistics. I plan to become an English teacher, but this wasn’t always what I had in mind.  When thinking about my future, I always saw myself in some sort of corporate office, perhaps as an executive assistant or a loan officer at a bank. My father works in the finance office for a car dealership and my mother works at a call center. I assumed I would follow a similar, albeit boring, path in life. In my junior year of high school, everything changed. My English teacher inspired me in ways I could have never imagined. She got me to love writing, literature, etymology, and everything about the English language. She made me want to be a better student in all of my classes, and she helped me see the value of education. I decided then that I wanted to inspire other students just as she did for me. My parents are unfortunately not able to contribute much toward my college expenses. I have earned a tuition scholarship based on my ACT score, but I still need additional funding for books and supplies. English majors have particularly high book costs because we have to purchase multiple books for each class. With the help of this scholarship, I could afford to continue my degree and become an English teacher.

Word count: 240

Example 3: Scholarship essay about career goals (500 words)

With 500 words or more to play around with, you have plenty of space to talk about your career goals. Maintain the same theme throughout the scholarship essay. Each paragraph should connect to the next, and they should all work together to describe your career plan. Avoid making disconnected statements for the sake of word count. In the end, the scholarship committee should have a clear view of your educational plans and professional aspirations.

Internet marketing has gone from an optional method of advertisement to a vital step in business outreach. Even small businesses in remote towns look to the internet to attract customers and spread the word about their services. I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Business Marketing with an emphasis on Digital Marketing. With this training, I will be able to enter a profession that will only grow year by year. When I was younger, I found print advertisements to be fascinating. I loved reading the newspaper with my father just to see the full-page ads in between stories. When I got older though, those ads became less appealing because they were not adaptive. They seemed dated, static and ill-fit for changes in society. That’s when I discovered internet marketing. It was still in its infancy when I was in middle school, but by the time I graduated high school, it had become a staple in business development. I loved the way internet marketers had to constantly adjust to fit Google’s algorithms, new mobile devices, and new audiences. I knew this was the career for me. Originally, I planned to focus solely on business marketing because there were not many digital marketing degrees available. Over the last two years though, several schools throughout the country have developed internet marketing courses that explain fundamental methods of search engine optimization, website analytics, and more. These are the foundations I will build my career around. The best part about internet marketing is that there is always something new to learn. I can use my creative mind and exploratory nature to try new advertising methods that help businesses succeed. Every time they do well, I do well. This is the kind of job fulfillment most people can only dream of, but my educational plan and job prospects will allow me to achieve it. I have picked up some freelance jobs online to supplement my studies and help pay for my education. It is difficult to maintain a steady stream of income in freelance because I spend so much time on my school work. This scholarship could offset some of the costs and reduce my workload as a whole. While I will still work throughout the semester and full-time in the summers, having extra financial aid would greatly reduce my stress in college. I look forward to a future where I can use my marketing skills to help business owners achieve their career goals. I plan to spend the first few years after graduation working for a successful, long-standing digital marketing company. After I have enough on-the-job training to feel confident in my abilities, I will open my own internet marketing company in Chicago, where my family lives. I have a clear picture of where I will be in the next 10 years, and I know this degree is going to help me get there.

Word count: 481

• Scholarship Essay

Jennifer Finetti

As a parent who recently helped her own kids embark on their college journeys, Jennifer approaches the transition from high school to college from a unique perspective. She truly enjoys engaging with students – helping them to build the confidence, knowledge, and insight needed to pursue their educational and career goals, while also empowering them with the strategies and skills needed to access scholarships and financial aid that can help limit college costs. She understands the importance of ensuring access to the edtech tools and resources that can make this process easier and more equitable - this drive to support underserved populations is what drew her to ScholarshipOwl. Jennifer has coached students from around the world, as well as in-person with local students in her own community. Her areas of focus include career exploration, major selection, college search and selection, college application assistance, financial aid and scholarship consultation, essay review and feedback, and more. She works with students who are at the top of their class, as well as those who are struggling. She firmly believes that all students, regardless of their circumstances, can succeed if they stay focused and work hard in school. Jennifer earned her MA in Counseling Psychology from National University, and her BA in Psychology from University of California, Santa Cruz.

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Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, how do i write a college essay about my future goals.

I have some pretty clear goals for my future, and I think writing about them in my college essay might help me stand out. How can I approach this topic in a way that's engaging and doesn't sound like I'm just listing my ambitions? Thanks for any suggestions!

Hey there! Writing about your future goals is a great idea for a college essay, and it can definitely help you stand out. The key is to tell a story that highlights your goals while also showcasing your personality and experiences.

Start by reflecting on your past experiences and achievements that have led you to these goals. You could talk about a specific moment or event that inspired your ambition, and then explain how it has driven you ever since. This helps to show your passion and dedication towards your goals.

Next, focus on your present efforts to work towards these goals. You could mention any relevant extracurricular activities, internships, or projects you've been involved in that align with your future aspirations. This demonstrates your commitment and hard work.

Finally, discuss your future goals in a way that ties everything together and shows the admissions committee how you plan to make a positive impact in the world. Remember to be authentic and genuine in your writing, and don't be afraid to show some vulnerability. Good luck with your essay!

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• Raising Kids

How To Help Your Kid Set Goals for the School Year

By helping your child set short- and long-term goals for the school year, you'll encourage them to gain independence and become more self-directed learners.

Back-to-school season is a natural opportunity for your child to set goals . This exercise has many benefits, from helping your student succeed academically to teaching them critical life skills like independence and organization.

Your child may aspire to finish a whole chapter book on their own, tie their shoes independently , write a five-paragraph essay, or master geometry. They may hope to join a club, make a few new friends, or speak up more in class. Getting to class on time, perfecting their typing skills, or keeping organized and up-to-date with their work are also worthy goals.

Here's how to brainstorm goals for the school year and make an action plan for meeting them.

Parents / Zackary Angeline

Why Set Goals for the School Year?

Learning to set goals (and go after them) helps children gain independence and understand that they can exert control over their lives. When your child decides what they want to accomplish, they're more likely to be motivated to complete things for their own satisfaction and learning, rather than for the satisfaction of others or for tangible rewards.

Setting back-to-school goals helps kids to see beyond the present moment, encouraging them to look toward the future. Even better, your student will learn the critical process of goal-setting, including the power of intention, productivity, organization, follow-through, and strategic thinking.

Define the Word 'Goal'

First, make sure your child knows what goal-setting is. It will be hard for them to set goals if they don’t really understand the purpose. Start by explaining the concept: A goal is something that a person wants to achieve.

Sports can offer a helpful analogy. Your child may know that in soccer, a goal is when a player gets the ball into the net, so that can be a good place to begin the explanation. Let your child know that when a player gets a goal, it’s the result of a lot of hard work.

Using that idea as a base, you can help your child understand the process of formulating a goal and making a plan to realize it. Other examples of goals may include learning new skills, getting specific grades, or completing all their homework and remembering to turn it in.

Teach the Language of Goal-Setting

Introduce your child to the language of goal-setting. Make sure your child knows how to work toward a goal, including how to strategize, organize, and prioritize. Discuss short- and long-term goals and the value of chunking their goal into smaller pieces.

Knowing how to talk about their goals is key in getting kids to understand their goals—and what it may take to achieve them. The language of goal-setting can often be broken down into the following formula: I want to [goal] by [date]. I already know how to [related skills]. I will follow [these specific steps] to achieve my goal.

Don’t Just Talk. Listen.

If you want your child to set their own goals, let them be in charge of the process. Remind yourself it’s more important to listen than to talk. Ask questions, but let them arrive at their own conclusions about what to strive toward.

The purpose of the goal-setting exercise is for your child to decide what they hope to achieve—not for them to go along with the goals you suggest. You can give examples and make suggestions, but don't take over the discussion.

Brainstorm Together

While you want your child to come up with their own goals, it can be fruitful to brainstorm together. Be a sounding board and ask questions to help your child discover and refine goals that resonate with them.

You'll want to ask if they already have any goals in mind. Keep asking questions until your child seems to click with a possible goal they want to work toward.

Brainstorming Questions To Ask

Possible questions you might pose to your child include:

• Are there any new academic skills you want to learn and/or improve?
• Do you have any school-related strengths and/or weaknesses you'd like to focus on this year?
• I noticed you’ve learned how to [fill in the blank]. What would you like to do next with that skill?
• Is there anything that you want to work on at school this year?
• What's your favorite/least favorite subject?
• What do you think your teachers or friends might suggest you work on?

Keep the conversation going until a few goal ideas emerge. It can be helpful to develop both short- and long-term goals.

Help Your Child Refine Their Goals

Once your child has come up with a general idea for their goals, the next step is zeroing in on what they specifically hope to accomplish and making sure the goal is feasible. This is when you can help your child refine their goal into something doable.

For example, if they want to read an entire series, help them pick books at their reading level. If they want to join five new clubs, you might recommend they consider how much free time they have and adjust their aim accordingly. If they have many new skills they want to master, you can suggest they become proficient in one before they move on to the next.

If necessary, help your child adjust unrealistic goals toward more achievable aims. Tread lightly so that you don't squash your child's enthusiasm. Instead of telling them that you don’t think they can do it, help them refine these goals into smaller related goals. 

Develop a Plan

Once your child has nailed down their goal, guide them through the process of planning how to achieve it. Brainstorming can be helpful with this step as well.

Share that simply setting their intention can put them on the right path. Consider what assistance, if any, they will need. They should think about what steps they'll go through as they strive toward making their goal a reality.

Help your child break down their goal into the smaller steps needed to get to the bigger goal. Making a to-do list or schedule can be useful as well.

Create a Visual Reminder

A visual reminder can take many forms. For kids who need to focus on the steps, use a worksheet that has a goal on top with a ladder underneath, where each rung of the ladder is another step toward reaching the final goal. 

Motivational Planning Aids

Other motivational goal-setting and planning aids include:

• Drawing of goal
• Goal ladder
• Written goal

Breaking down the goal into chunks can make it feel more achievable. You also can use other goal-setting tools, such as making a goal board, or you can simply ask them to write down their goals. Any way they can document their goal and the process they will use to make it happen can be effective.

Celebrate Progress and Success

Help your child keep track of their progress. Periodically, look at the goal ladder with them and mark off any steps they've accomplished. Celebrate successes as they happen, but also be prepared for obstacles. Praise effort and learning as much as tangible achievement.

Offer suggestions if your child experiences any setbacks or frustrations along the way. Also, be sure to give kudos as they meet various benchmarks. This helps your child keep momentum and understand that progress is as important as the ultimate aim. Once their final goal is achieved, take it off the goal ladder (or list) and celebrate their accomplishment.

Related Articles

38 Examples of SMART Goals for Students

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

The SMART Goals framework, also written as S.M.A.R.T Goals or SMART Objectives, is a template for setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based goals.

While originally used in leadership and corporate management, the framework is now extensively used in education to help students to set personal and academic goals for themselves.

The following examples of SMART goals for students show how students can set achievable goals by following the five elements of the framework.

SMART Goals Example

For the SMART framework, a student should set one goal that meets five clear criteria. The goal should be:

• Specific – Be clear about exactly what the goal is and what will be done to achieve it. Consider giving details about what, when, where, why, and how.
• Measurable – Make sure you have a way to assess whether you have achieved your goal.
• Attainable – State how you believe reaching the goal is within your power.
• Relevant – State how the goal will help you to meet your overall goals as a student.
• Time-Based – You need to set a time by which you will complete your goal to keep yourself accountable.

SMART Goals Template for Students

The student should write down their goal in a quote above the table then enter an explanation of how their goal is specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-based.

Get the Google Docs Template Here

Goal: Write your goal above the table. Carefully think about your goal and fill out the sentence with details that will ensure that it is S.M.A.R.T.

SMART Goals for Students

1. get an a in my next essay.

“I will get an A in my current essay in my Psychology class.”

2. Improve my Research Skills

“I will improve my research skills by using library resources and taking notes from the recommended readings for my course. I will do this every Friday afternoon for 3 weeks. I will aim for a subjective statement on my end-of-semester feedback about my research skills.”

3. Type at 60 Words per Minute

“I will learn to type at 60 words per minute within two months.”

4. Study 5 Days a Week for 5 Weeks

“I will study for my math class for one hour each afternoon Monday to Friday for 5 weeks.”

5. Improve my Productivity

“I will improve my productivity by using a Pomodoro timer when studying and closing all other tabs on my computer. I will do this every time I study for 2 months.”

6. Improve my Focus

“I will improve my focus during class this term by leaving my phone in my bag, sitting alone instead of with friends, and ensuring I turn up well-hydrated and rested.”

7. Memorize 100 flashcards within 3 weeks

“I will create a deck of 100 flashcards related to my Spanish course and memorize all 100 flashcards within 3 weeks by spending 20 minutes per day on the task.”

8. Complete my Assigned Book for Class

“I will finish reading the book that has been assigned by my teacher within 5 weeks.”

9. Obtain the Confidence to Give a Public Speech

“I will obtain the confidence to give a public speech by practicing speaking from note cards in front of a mirror and friends for the next 3 weeks.”

10. Re-Submit my Essay for a Higher Grade

“I will use the feedback provided on my essay to re-submit for a higher grade within the 2-week timeframe I have been given by my teacher.”

11. Follow a Study Calendar for the Next 5 Weeks

“I will use a study calendar that states when and what I should study. I will do this for 5 days a week for 5 weeks.”

12. Borrow One Book per Month from the Library

“I will borrow one book per month from the library for six months and read it fully in order to deepen my knowledge of sociology for my sociology class.”

13. Complete my Assignments 2 Weeks Before Due Date

“I will complete all assignments 2 weeks before the due dates so I have 2 weeks of free time to edit the work without stress.”

14. Maintain a Study Journal for 15 Weeks

“I will keep a daily study journal Monday to Friday for 15 weeks that will record what I studied, notes on key things I need to revise, and how long I studied. This will help me reflect on my improvement over time.”

15. Minimize Study Stress

“I will minimize the amount of stress I’m experiencing by exercising an hour a day, only studying for a maximum of one hour per day, and meditating for 15 minutes after each study session. I will do this for 5 weeks.”

SMART Goals Examples for High School Students

16. apply for five colleges.

“I will apply for five colleges within 3 months.”

17. Go to Four University Open Days

“I will go to four university open days within the next 2 months to learn more about the universities and see which one I would prefer.”

18. Study for an Hour Before Class Daily

“I will study for one hour between 8 am and 9 am daily before class Monday to Friday. I will study for the class that I will be sitting that day and keep a journal of progress.”

19. Maintain a Regular Sleep Routine

“I will sleep for 9 hours a day by making sure I get into bed by 10 pm every night and set an alarm for 7 am each morning. This will keep me fresh for classes.”

20. Research Five Potential Career Options

“I will spend 3 hours every Thursday night researching a potential career option for 5 weeks straight. At the end of the 5th week, I will rank all the career options based on my research.”

21. Have Three Meetings with my Careers Advisor 

“I will book in three meetings with my careers advisor over the next six months to check in and re-evaluate my thoughts about what I want to do after I finish high school.”

SMART Goals Examples for University Students

22. decide upon a major for my degree.

“I will lock in a major with my advisor by the end of the month and select the appropriate courses for next semester.”

23. Meet Each Instructor in Open Office Hours Once per Semester

“I will meet each of my instructors during their open office hours on Week 8 of the semester to go over my essay drafts.”

24. Meet with my Advisor for Feedback on my Progress 3 Times per Year

“I will meet with my advisor to check in on my progress in my degree 3 times this year. I will meet her in March, July, and September.”

25. Attend One Library Skills Seminar per Month

“I will attend one library skills seminar per month until I have attended all the training sessions they have on offer. This should take 6 months and help me incrementally develop my academic skills.”

26. Meet with my Study Group Weekly All Semester

“I will meet with my study group at 2.30 pm every Tuesday in the library for one hour to compare notes about our studies. We will also meet to check each other’s drafts during this period when necessary.”

27. Complete All Homework Tasks by Wednesday each Week

“I will complete my homework tasks by Wednesday each week this semester. To do this, I will remain at the university library on Tuesdays from 12 noon onwards.”

28. Turn up to Class on Time

“I will turn up to class five minutes before class begins for the entire semester in order to change my habit of being late. To make this happen, I will take the 8.05 am bus each morning.”

29. Apply for Five Summer Internships

“I will apply for five summer internships by the end of next week.”

See more SMART internship goals here.

30. Apply for Five Part-Time Jobs in my Career Field

“I will apply for five part-time jobs in my career field by the end of next week.”

31. Write 400 Words per Day for my Essay

“I will write 400 words per day for 5 days to get my first draft of my essay complete.”

SMART Goals Examples for Online Students

32. post five forum responses per week.

“I will log into my online course between 4 pm and 5 pm each weekday to read a forum task and post a 100-word response on the discussion board. I will continue this for the rest of the semester.”

33. Re-watch my Online Lectures and Take Notes for my Essay

“I will re-watch the eight one-hour online lectures for my course. I will watch one per day between 9 am and 10 am and take notes daily on anything relevant to the essay I’m writing.”

34. Reply to Three other People’s Forum Comments per Week

“I will reply to three forum comments on my online discussion board per week for the next three weeks in order to engage with other students in my class.”

SMART Goals Examples for International and Exchange Students

35. speak only in spanish for a whole day.

“I will speak only in Spanish for the whole day during my exchange at Barcelona University.”

See a Full List of Communication Goals Here

36. Apply for an Exchange Scholarship by May 1st

“I will apply for an exchange scholarship to get funding to go to Barcelona for a semester. This application will be a 1000 word essay and completed by May 1st.”

37. Join a Cultural Club at my new Unviersity

“I will join one cultural club at my university by the end of the social club sign-up day tomorrow.”

38. Apply for a Work Visa for after I Graduate so I can Stay Here

“My goal is to apply for a work visa by 5 pm on the 30th of December so I can stay in the country after I have completed my degree.”

The SMART framework is valuable when setting educational goals because it helps you to articulate exactly what your goal is. The five criteria within the framework will force students to set goals that can be clearly explained and are achievable. By setting SMART goals, students can see greater levels of success whether it’s short-term goals or long-term goals and have a clearer idea about what they need to do to meet their goals.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 25 Number Games for Kids (Free and Easy)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 25 Word Games for Kids (Free and Easy)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 25 Outdoor Games for Kids
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 50 Incentives to Give to Students

5 thoughts on “38 Examples of SMART Goals for Students”

I have tried it before but soon forgot about it, which means I have made my calendar or schedule with a goal on top and worked toward it, and then I forgot to do it again for my next semester’s class. but it does not hurt trying again one more time.

This method is useful and essential. That why I have been using it since high school.

This method is very significant in my study I have been using it.

This method is essential and productive, i still use it even today to achieve my goals.

One of the best online learning articles I have come across. Rarely give comments at over 69yrs and a lot working in education. But you are clear, and straight to the point. Good job! Recommended.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Life Goals — My Goals And Ways To Achieve Them

My Goals and Ways to Achieve Them

• Categories: Life Goals Personal Goals

About this sample

Words: 523 |

Published: Mar 18, 2021

Words: 523 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Works Cited:

• Chang, L. (2021). The Ultimate Guide to Budgeting: 5 Steps to Take Control of Your Finances. The Balance. https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-make-a-budget-1289587
• Davenport, K. (2022). The 50/30/20 Rule for Budgeting. Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/50-30-20-rule/
• Dave Ramsey. (2021). Budgeting. Dave Ramsey.
• Kobliner, B. (2017). Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even If You’re Not). Simon & Schuster.
• NerdWallet. (2021). Budgeting 101. NerdWallet.
• Robbins, T. (2017). Unshakeable: Your Financial Freedom Playbook. Simon & Schuster.
• The Simple Dollar. (2021). How to Create a Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide. The Simple Dollar. https://www.thesimpledollar.com/save-money/how-to-create-a-budget/
• Tiller Money. (2021). How to Create a Budget Spreadsheet in Google Sheets. Tiller Money.
• Williams, G. (2018). Budgeting: A Practical Guide for Beginners. Amazon Digital Services.

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How to write a winning scholarship essay about your academic goals

Have you ever opened up a scholarship application only to find that you have to write yet ANOTHER scholarship essay, this time about your academic goals? We get it. There’s a lot of writing involved when you’re applying! Well, we’re here to guide you through your academic goals essay, with scholarship essay tips and a template. We’ve even got a surprise for you at the end that will save you time on your scholarship applications.

1) Start brainstorming and writing as early as possible.

2) understand your current goals of where you are now, and your future goals of where you want to be., 3) stay positive., 4) keep it personal., 5) spell check., 6) be proud of your academic goals essay., what are you studying right now, what do you enjoy, what are you not-so-crazy about in your current studies, what do you want to achieve in college, what things outside of pure academics, might complement your academic goals, how will your academic goals help you achieve other goals, what has inspired these goals, how will you hold yourself accountable with your academic goals, bonus: let your academic goals influence your college class planning, it’s here your academic goals essay brainstorm template, extra bonus: apply for scholarships more easily, with going merry .

6 tips for scholarship essay success

Writing any scholarship essay takes time, thought, and energy. The earlier you start, the better!

Your goals today may change tomorrow. Think about where you are now in your high school career – what are you studying that you love? What would you like to change? What do you aim to accomplish in college? Ask yourself these questions and write down those goals.

No one is perfect – we all have our hardships and our downfalls. But think positively when it comes to your academic goals. If you didn’t do so hot in one subject, try not to include that exact phrasing in the essay, but think about how you can turn that around into a positive.

Similar to personal statements , share your story – a moment that brought you to where you are today. Especially for local scholarships, the providers want to feel like they’re supporting real people to achieve their academic dreams. So make sure you share enough personal details about where you are and where you want to be.

Using a tool like Grammarly helps check your spelling and grammar as you’re writing. Ask a friend, family member, or expert to review your academic goals essay before you submit it with your scholarship application. This will help your writing for college appear polished and professional.

You did it! You wrote it! That’s your work, and now it’s up to the scholarship providers to review and accept your application.

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Points to consider while writing your academic goals scholarship essay:

Think about your current studies in high school. If you’re a high school junior, think about what classes you’re currently taking, and what you plan to take next year as a senior. If you’re a high school senior, reflect on your last two semesters of classes. What’s your curriculum look like? You might be taking an English class, Math, a focused class, such as Sociology, maybe a World Religions course, Geography, Government and an elective such as music, art, or physical education.

We all know a high school teacher who made going to class enjoyable because of their personality – OR – we just really loved the subject (No one? Just us? Okay…it was Mr. Nixon’s Law class that made research and debating against classmates fun for us).

Capitalize on the enjoyable aspects of that class in your academic goals essay. Explain how your teacher made the class engaging in a way that helped you retain information while also enjoying the class. Consider what the ideal academic class would look like in college. Would you aim to take a similar course in college where the professor promotes engaged learning? Or would you prefer to sit in a lecture hall where you can listen, digest detailed information, write down notes, and ask questions as needed? Think about your learning style as you organize your academic goals essay.

Going back to the point of staying positive, think through a subject that you’re currently not too thrilled about, and get creative with how you can turn that into an academic goal.

Ex: Statistics was one of the most challenging subjects of my junior year curriculum. However, I know I’ll need to have sufficient knowledge of the subject to major in Psychology in college. My goal is to find a study buddy – a colleague, a tutor, someone skilled in the subject, to improve my understanding of the subject so I can later help patients understand research study statistics in the future.

It might be a 3.5 GPA. Or you might want to walk across the stage on graduation day with summa cum laude cords. Maybe you want to become president of the student government association on campus.

The great thing about college is that you’re furthering your education, and you’re growing as a person! You’re learning about yourself, how you work, how you interact, and there are so many opportunities to get involved on campus. Think about how these fits in with your academic goals by naming any organizations, department clubs, and honor societies that catch your eye.

How might your near-term academic goals help you in your future (e.g. career after college)–or how might they help others (e.g. your friends, family, future customers/patients)? Think long-term: what will your current academic goals help you achieve further down the line? Whom might that impact?

Ex: Taking 18 credits helped us knock out our required wellness course during the second semester of our freshman year of college. By sophomore year, we could focus on classes related to our major and enjoy time after class. We later graduated a semester early thanks to study habits and credits. We spent time at the on-campus career center, working through mock interviews. Then, we later landed a job soon after graduation, working for a company and helping them bring on new customers.

All of this happened as a result of creating academic goals to plan classes early and work through those credits.

Everyone finds inspiration from different outlets. Whether it’s your parents, a teacher, your guidance counselor, classmates, siblings, or even an athlete, briefly describe who inspired these goals. Heck, you might have inspired yourself to make these goals! If it wasn’t someone who inspired you, discuss what inspired you to set these goals in your academic goals essay.

Writing down goals for ourselves is great. It makes our goals seem more concrete once we talk or write about them. Now, it’s time to make those goals happen! Toward the end of your academic goals essay, you might want to explicitly state your plan for holding yourself accountable to these goals — this will seem impressive to a scholarship provider who wants to make sure their award money is going to someone who’s serious about their future.

How might you stay accountable? Maybe your best friend can text you every Wednesday to check in with you mid-week on your progress. Or maybe that’s too much, and you’ll just set a reminder on your phone to check in with yourself once a week. Or maybe you’re a real planner– and you’ve created clear milestones for the next couple years, and you’ll check in regularly to make sure you’re hitting them. Whatever it is, bringing your lofty academic goal down to concrete steps is likely to make your academic goals essay stronger. 

Don’t just think of your scholarship essay on academic goals as a chore that you complete and then never look at again. Once you’ve written it, let it help serve as your beacon as you decide what majors or classes to take, or what student organizations to join.

Then you can plan your semesters accordingly. For example:

• Jot down your goals for your class schedule, what you plan to do with your time before, after, and in between classes.
• Consider what time of day you would be most effective in taking the classes necessary to meet your academic goals. Are you a night owl or a morning person? Do you need lots of time between classes to really digest the material?
• How many classes (or credits) do you plan to take? You can take a full load of classes, usually up to 18 credits per semester depending on the school, without going over your tuition limit, to help give you a lighter load your junior and senior years. Or, you can take the standard 12 – 16 credits per semester to avoid overloading your schedule and leaving room for socializing and other activities. This may also affect your graduation year. So if part of your academic goals (or your plan for reducing tuition ) requires you to graduate early — you’ll also want to plan this out!

Ready to start brainstorming to write your essay?

Print this sheet – OR – if you want to fill out this sheet digitally, make a copy to save and edit on your device by going to File > Download > Microsoft Word, OpenDocument Format, etc.

Also, check out this helpful list of the 10 most common scholarship essay topics!

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