Page 70 - Keys to College Success

KEY 2.2 Work SMART toward an important goal.

GOAL: To decide on a major.
SMART GOAL HOW TO ENGAGE EACH
CHARACTERISTICS CHARACTERISTIC EXAMPLE
Specific Describe exactly how you will achieve I will read the list of available majors, meet with my academic advisor,
your goal. talk with instructors, and choose a major by the deadline.
Measurable Find ways to measure your progress I will set alarms on my smartphone to remind me of when I should
over time. have accomplished each step. I will ask my mom to check in to make
sure I’m getting somewhere.
Achievable Set a goal that your abilities and drive I’m driven to declare a major because I want to earn my degree,
can handle. graduate, and gain work-ready skills.
Realistic Define a goal that is workable given Because I’m starting early and already know how the process works,
the resources (time and money) and I should have time to think through this carefully.
other circumstances.
Time frame Set up a time frame for achieving your I have a year until the deadline. I will read the catalog in the next
goal and identify the steps for working month; I will meet with my advisor by the end of the term; I will talk
toward it. with instructors at the beginning of next term; and I will declare a
major by the end of next term.

■ Step 6: Prepare to get unstuck. What will you do if you hit a roadblock? Antici-
pate problems and define strategies for handling them. Reach out to people who
can help you. Remind yourself of the benefits of your goal.
■ Step 7: Take action. How will you persist? Follow the steps in your plan until you
achieve your goal.
■ Step 8: Celebrate! How will you recognize your accomplishments? Appreciate your
hard work with something you enjoy—a movie night, an outing with friends, some-
thing you’ve been wanting to buy, maybe even a long nap. Goals, Time, and Stress Management
At any given time, you may be working toward long-term and short-term goals of
varying importance. You must first decide which goals offer you the most significant
rewards and are most deserving of your focus. Then you can use the SMART system to
make those goals concrete and increase your chances of achieving them.

Academic Goals

Consider learning as your overarching “umbrella” academic goal, under which all
other academic goals should fit. Your school provides resources that can help you set
and achieve academic goals, if you can fulfill your end of the bargain, which is to use
those resources and take action. Key 2.3 illustrates basic academic goals and the
resources that support you.

KEY 2.3 Use resources to set and achieve academic goals.

ACADEMIC GOAL RESOURCES THAT CAN HELP

Choose and register for classes each term Advisor, course catalog, college website
Achieve objectives for each course Instructor, syllabus, fellow students, course resources online, reading materials
Fulfill graduation requirements Advisor, course catalog

Declare a major Advisor, instructors from the department of your major, college website
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