Setting goals can help you stay on top of your studies，but it's important to set the right kinds of goals.That's where S.M.A.R.T.（Specific，Measurable，Action-based，Realistic，Time-scheduled）goals can help.
   Set your goal as specific as possible
   Having an unclear goal can make it difficult to follow through on your efforts and track your progress.（1）

D

D

For example，instead of saying your goal is to get through your math class，figure out what grade you want to earn.
   Ensure your progress is measurable
   It is wise to decide in advance how you will measure progress.You can choose both short-term and long-term measures of progress.In the short-term，you might measure progress by looking at how much studying you get done in a week.（2）

F

F

   Decide on action-based steps
   When you set your goal，make sure you have a clear action plan and detailed steps.（3）

E

E

Action-based steps might include finishing your homework ahead of time，reviewing your notes every day after class，and arranging a meeting with your professor.
   Make sure your goal is realistic
   （4）

G

G

An example of a realistic goal would be to improve your course grade by one letter before the end of the semester.An unrealistic goal，by comparison，would be to turn an F into an A by the end of the semester.
   （5）

B

B

   If you're working within a school calendar，the end of that semester might be the end of your time schedule.You might decide that you'll achieve your goal before the final week.That means working backwards to figure out what needs to be completed and when.

A.Work towards your goal
B.Give yourself a reasonable time schedule
C.You might have a goal of getting an A in English.
D.However，having a clear goal will help you stay driven.
E.That way you'll know what you're achieving and how you'll get there.
F.In the long-term，you might watch how your grades improve over the semester.
G.It's important to dream big，but it's also important to know what you can achieve.