Ready for College
MODULE 10: SET TING YOUR GOALS
Agenda
• Welcome and introductions
• How can setting goals help you?
• Setting S-M-A-R-T goals
• Short-term goals vs. long-term goals
• ACTIVITY: Setting your goals
• College Planning Checklist
• Summary and wrap-up
Welcome and
introductions
Setting Goals
HOW CAN SET TING GOALS HELP YOU?
What is a goal?
What is a goal?
What is an example of a goal?
What is a goal?
A goal is defined as “the object of a
person’s ambition or effort; an aim or
desired result.”
What is a goal?
An example:
Amber wants to attend law school after
graduating from Stanford University.
Setting Goals
Setting goals is important because:
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Goals guide and direct behavior.
Goals provide clarity.
Goals provide challenges and standards.
Goals reflect what the goal setter considers important.
Goals help improve performance.
Goals increase the motivation to achieve.
Goals can improve your self-confidence, and satisfaction in accomplishing
something.
◦ Goals can help decrease negative attitudes.
Source: Organizational Behavior 6th Edition (1992)
Setting SMART
goals
Setting SMART Goals
Setting SMART goals can insure that you are more likely to achieve your
goal. It is easier to hold yourself accountable to complete a goal when it
is a SMART goal.
Setting SMART Goals
An example:
In the next six weeks grading period, I will make at least a B on all my
math tests and at least an A on my homework assignments.
Setting Goals
SHORT-TERM GOALS VERSUS LONG -TERM GOALS
Short term vs. long term goals
Short-term goals = 1 year or less
Long-term goals = 3 to 5 years
Make a plan to stay on track
Activity
SET TING YOUR OWN GOALS
Setting Your Own Goals
 Take a moment to think about your short-term and long-term goals.
 Use the Goals Setting Worksheet to write down three short-term and
three long-term goals. At least one of each should be an
educational/career goal (i.e. major, career path, GPA) and at least one
should be a personal goal (i.e. run a 5K, study more, learn to cook, take
a photography class).
 Write down the first steps you will take to work on these goals and
include three ways a college education can help you accomplish these
goals.
 Remember to write SMART goals.
Setting Your Own Goals
Setting Your Own Goals
How can you hold yourself
accountable to accomplish your
goals?
College Planning
Checklist
College Planning Checklist
Seniors/High School Graduates
◦ Send in your final transcript to your college
◦ Attend orientation and register for your classes
◦ Find out when you have to move-in to your residence hall and when classes
start
◦ Contact student leaders of clubs and organizations you would like to join
Freshman to Juniors
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Prepare for admissions exams by using a study guide such as Khan Academy
Participate in a summer camp
Start preparing a college checklist for the fall
Visit a college or university
Questions and
comments
IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS MODULE,
CONTACT HINOJOSACONSULTING@GMAIL.COM