By Ryan Laspina
Senior Specialist, Red Flags and External Reviews at APUS
The most successful college students are those who set numerous goals for themselves. There is an art to setting goals. If you do not set your goals correctly, the college experience becomes discouraging.
As a college student, you should set academic, financial and personal goals. Every goal that you make should be attainable and clearly defined, and it should have a set time frame for completion. Below are some examples of academic, financial and personal goals to make for yourself.
Academic Goals
- Graduate on time for the length of your program (two years for associate degrees, four years for bachelor’s degrees, etc.)
- Maintain at least the minimum grade point average (GPA) to receive your financial aid package (You should always strive for a 4.0, but that isn’t always realistic, even for the best students.)
- Earn academic honors at your school
Financial Goals
- Borrow only the loan amount you need to pay for your college expenses
- Put aside a set amount of money into a savings account each month from your part-time or full-time job
- Build credit by paying off your debts in a timely fashion
Personal Goals
- Apply for a certain number of internships, job fairs, etc. every year
- Participate in extracurricular activities every year to become a more diversified and well-rounded student
- Choose an affordable and comfortable place to live if you have yet to venture out on your own
Without realistic goals, it’s hard to balance all aspects of college life. Many college students not only have to worry about their own studies, but have jobs, families and other duties. Your college years are hectic, but they’re also enjoyable if you plan properly and set attainable goals.
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