Pac Tip: Academic Goal Tracking

Our Peer Academic Consultants can help with a variety of skills, including goal setting and tracking. Here are some useful tips on how to set and track your academic goals.

What is goal tracking?

Goal tracking is when you track your progress towards a goal that you have set

What is goal setting and why should I do it?

Goal setting sets you up for success by giving you something to focus on and work towards
Goals are things you want to achieve; in academics, they further your academic career
Goals can be big or small, but they should advance you academically in some way

How do I set academic goals?

Step 1: Identify the problem and how you want to solve it
Step 2: Create a plan for achieving your goal
Step 3: Follow the plan and keep track of your progress

How do I make sure my goal is achievable?

Use the acronym SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound)
This ensures that you can create a plan for achieving your goal

How do I track my academic goals?

There are many resources available to help you track your goals
There are websites and apps that are made for goal tracking (some free, some paid)
You can also make a goal-tracking table yourself such as the one below:

		Date	*Date*	Date
		Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Plan	What are my goals today? List in order of priority
Do	Check off the goals above as met. Include notes on this row.
Reflect	What went well today?
	What didn't?
	What did I learn?

From The Learning Center

Need more help?

Check out our Peer Academic Consultants website for more information on goal-tracking and other academic skills. Our Peer Academic Consultants (PAC) are also available for individual consultations during which we can discuss your academic skills and personalize these strategies to be most effective for you! If you would like to sign up for a one-on-one consultation with a PAC, we invite you to do so online by logging into WCOnline.

References

“Academic Goals and How to Set Them.” UPchieve Free Online Tutoring and College Counseling, 7 May 2023.
‌“Goal Tracker.” University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Learning Center.
‌“How to Track Goals for Success | Student Affairs.” Lehigh University Student Affairs Center for Academic Success.