Setting SMART Goals for Academic Success

Is the goal “I will do better in school” a SMART Goal?

This is not a SMART goal because when you say "I will do better in school" is such a vague statement. A better goal would be "I will do better in school by studying", see that way you have a goal and solution to help you achieve your goal.

Understanding SMART Goals

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. When setting academic goals, it is important to make sure they meet these criteria to increase the likelihood of success.

Specific

A goal like "I will do better in school" is too vague. It does not clearly outline what actions need to be taken to achieve the goal.

Measurable

Without a specific way to measure progress, it is difficult to track whether the goal is being achieved or not. Saying "I will do better in school" does not provide a clear metric for success.

Achievable

The goal should be realistic and achievable based on your current circumstances and abilities. Setting a goal to do better in school by studying is more achievable as it gives a clear action plan.

Relevant

The goal should be relevant to your overall objectives and aspirations. Doing better in school through studying aligns with the desire for academic improvement.

Time-bound

A SMART goal has a specific timeframe for completion. Setting a deadline for when you aim to see improvement in your academic performance adds urgency and motivation.

By transforming the initial goal into a SMART goal, such as "I will improve my grades by studying for at least 2 hours every day after school for the next semester", you provide clarity, focus, and a clear path to achieve academic success.