20 SMART Goals for High School Students

High school can feel like a wild ride with classes, friends, activities, and big choices about your future. Setting good goals is like having a map that helps you know where you want to go. Many students feel lost or stressed because they don’t have clear goals to work toward.

Having the right goals can make school more fun and help you grow in many ways. When you set goals that can be measured and have clear steps, you gain confidence with each small win. This blog post will share 20 goals that can help you become your best self during these important years.

SMART Goals for High School Students

These 20 goals are designed to help you succeed in school and beyond. Each one follows the SMART method—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—so you can track your progress and celebrate your wins.

1. Raise My Math Grade by One Letter Grade This Semester

Math skills build on each other, which means getting better now helps you later. By focusing on raising your grade from, say, a C to a B this semester, you create a clear target to aim for.

Working toward this goal means doing homework regularly, asking questions when you don’t understand, and maybe finding a study buddy or tutor. The best part is that you’ll see progress on tests and quizzes along the way, which helps keep you going.

“I will raise my math grade from a C to a B by the end of this semester by completing all homework, asking at least one question in class each week, and studying 30 minutes daily.”

2. Read 12 Books Outside of School Requirements This Year

Reading books you choose helps your brain grow in ways that assigned reading sometimes doesn’t. When you read one book each month for a year, you build a habit that can last a lifetime.

You can pick books about topics you love or try new subjects that spark your interest. Reading for fun improves your vocabulary, writing skills, and even helps you understand other people better.

“I will read 12 books of my own choosing within the next 12 months by setting aside 20 minutes before bed each night and keeping a simple reading journal to track my progress and thoughts.”

3. Complete a Community Service Project With 25 Hours This Semester

Helping others feels good and teaches you skills you can’t learn in a classroom. Planning and finishing a service project with 25 hours of work shows colleges and future bosses that you care about more than just yourself.

You could clean up a park, help at an animal shelter, or tutor younger students. These experiences help you learn about teamwork, planning, and solving real problems in your community.

“I will complete 25 hours of community service at the local food bank by volunteering 2 hours every Saturday morning for the next three months, helping sort donations and prepare meal packages.”

4. Learn Basic Cooking Skills to Prepare 10 Healthy Meals

Knowing how to cook is a skill you’ll use your whole life. Learning to make 10 different healthy meals before graduation gives you a head start on taking care of yourself.

Start with simple recipes and work up to more complex ones. Ask family members to teach you their favorite dishes or watch cooking videos online. This goal helps you eat better and save money later in life.

“I will learn to cook 10 healthy meals from scratch within six months by mastering one new recipe every two weeks, documenting each with photos, and gathering feedback from my family on taste and presentation.”

5. Save $500 for College Expenses by the End of the School Year

Money skills matter just as much as academic ones. Saving $500 during your high school year teaches you how to manage money before you need to do it on your own.

You might need to find a part-time job, cut back on spending, or turn a hobby into a small business. The discipline of saving now helps you make smart money choices for the rest of your life.

“I will save $500 for college expenses by the end of this school year by depositing $50 monthly from my allowance or part-time job earnings, tracking all expenses in a budget app, and finding one new way to earn extra money each month.”

6. Improve My Public Speaking by Giving 5 Presentations This Year

Being able to speak well in front of others opens many doors in life. By setting a goal to give five presentations in different classes or clubs, you build a skill many adults still find scary.

Start with shorter talks on topics you know well, then try longer presentations on new subjects. Record yourself to see how you improve over time. This goal helps with confidence that carries into job interviews and college.

“I will improve my public speaking skills by volunteering for five class presentations this school year, practicing each one for at least 30 minutes beforehand, and asking one teacher for feedback after each performance.”

7. Create a Study Schedule and Stick to It for One Full Quarter

Good study habits make learning easier and less stressful. Creating a schedule that works for you and following it for a full quarter helps you see how planning affects your grades.

Your schedule should include regular study times, breaks, and space for fun activities too. Keeping track of how well you follow the plan helps you learn about your own work style and what helps you focus best.

“I will create a detailed weekly study schedule by next Monday and follow it for the entire spring quarter, studying at the same times each day, checking off completed sessions, and reviewing my progress weekly to make needed adjustments.”

8. Build a Personal Portfolio Website Within 2 Months

In today’s digital world, having an online space to show your work can help you stand out. Building a simple website in two months gives you a place to share school projects, artwork, or writing samples.

You don’t need fancy tech skills to start—many free website builders make it easy. This goal helps you learn basic web design while creating something useful for college applications or job hunting.

“I will build a personal portfolio website within the next 8 weeks by learning one new web design skill each week, adding at least two samples of my best work weekly, and getting feedback from three trusted friends before launching it.”

9. Exercise for 30 Minutes at Least 4 Days Per Week

Taking care of your body helps your brain work better too. Setting a goal to exercise four days a week for 30 minutes each time builds healthy habits that fight stress and boost your mood.

You could walk, run, dance, play sports, or follow workout videos at home. The key is finding activities you enjoy so you’ll want to keep doing them beyond high school.

“I will exercise for 30 minutes at least 4 days each week for the next three months by joining the school running club on Mondays and Wednesdays, doing a home workout on Fridays, and biking with friends on weekends.”

10. Learn a New Language at Conversational Level in 6 Months

Speaking another language connects you to more people and cultures. Working toward conversational skills in a new language within six months is challenging but very rewarding.

Using apps, videos, and practice partners helps you learn faster. Try to use what you learn every day, even if it’s just talking to yourself at first. This goal opens doors to travel, new friends, and job opportunities.

“I will reach a conversational level in Spanish within 6 months by completing 20 minutes of language app practice daily, watching one Spanish video weekly, and finding an online conversation partner for practice sessions twice monthly.”

11. Attend Three College Information Sessions This Semester

Making good college choices starts with good information. Going to three college info sessions this semester helps you learn what questions to ask and what different schools offer.

Visit local colleges if you can, or join virtual tours and online sessions. Take notes about what you like and don’t like at each school. This goal helps you make better decisions about your future education.

“I will attend three different college information sessions within the next 4 months by researching upcoming events, preparing five specific questions for each session, and taking detailed notes to compare schools afterward.”

12. Complete One Independent Research Project by the End of the Year

Doing your own research project shows colleges and employers you can work on big ideas without someone telling you every step. Finishing a project by year’s end gives you something unique to talk about in applications.

Pick a topic that really interests you, make a plan for finding information, and decide how you’ll share what you learn. This goal builds research skills you’ll use throughout college and beyond.

“I will complete an independent research project on local water quality by the end of the school year by collecting samples monthly, analyzing data each quarter, and creating a presentation with my findings and recommendations for community action.”

13. Reduce Screen Time to 2 Hours Daily Outside of Schoolwork

Most teens spend many hours on phones and computers each day. Cutting back to 2 hours daily outside of homework gives you more time for other goals and helps you sleep better.

Start by tracking your current screen time, then make a plan to reduce it slowly each week. Replace some screen time with reading, hobbies, or talking with friends and family face-to-face.

“I will reduce my non-academic screen time to 2 hours daily within one month by setting app limits on my phone, keeping a daily log of usage, and replacing one hour of social media time with outdoor activities each day.”

14. Master 100 Vocabulary Words for the SAT/ACT This Semester

A strong vocabulary helps on standardized tests and makes your writing and speaking more powerful. Learning 100 new words this semester means studying about 6-7 new words each week.

Make flashcards, use vocabulary apps, or play word games to make learning fun. Try to use new words in your homework and conversations. This goal directly improves your test scores and communication skills.

“I will master 100 SAT vocabulary words within this semester by learning 7 new words each week, creating digital flashcards for daily practice, and using each new word correctly in at least one written assignment.”

15. Start and Maintain a Daily Journal for One Full Semester

Writing down your thoughts helps you understand yourself better and improves your writing skills. Keeping a daily journal for a full semester—about 15-18 weeks—builds a powerful habit.

You can write about your day, your feelings, your goals, or ideas for the future. The important part is writing regularly, even if it’s just for 5-10 minutes. This goal helps with stress and creates a record of your growth.

“I will maintain a daily journal for the entire fall semester by writing at least 150 words each evening before bed, reflecting on one success and one challenge from each day, and reviewing weekly to track patterns in my thoughts and behaviors.”

16. Create a Four-Year High School Plan by the End of This Month

Planning your high school years helps you fit in all the classes and activities you need. Making a four-year plan this month gives you a roadmap that you can adjust as you go.

Include required classes, electives you want to try, and activities outside of class time. Share your plan with teachers or counselors who can help you improve it. This goal puts you in control of your education.

“I will create a detailed four-year high school academic and extracurricular plan by the end of this month by researching graduation requirements, scheduling a meeting with my guidance counselor, and mapping courses and activities semester by semester on a digital calendar.”

17. Develop a Personal Stress Management Plan Within Two Weeks

High school can be stressful, and learning to handle that stress is a key life skill. Creating a personal stress management plan in two weeks helps you stay calm when things get busy.

Your plan might include deep breathing, exercise, talking to friends, or cutting back on commitments when needed. Test different strategies to find what works best for you. This goal helps your mental health now and in the future.

“I will develop a personal stress management plan within two weeks by identifying my three biggest stress triggers, researching five coping techniques, testing each technique for two days, and creating a one-page guide I can refer to when feeling overwhelmed.”

18. Lead a School Club or Group Project This Year

Taking a leadership role teaches you how to guide others and take responsibility. Leading a club or group project this year gives you practical experience you can talk about in college essays.

Start by joining a club that interests you, then look for ways to help and show your skills. Or suggest a project you could lead in a class or community group. This goal builds confidence and teamwork abilities.

“I will take on a leadership role in the Environmental Club by the end of this semester by attending every meeting, volunteering for three different responsibilities in the next month, and proposing one new project idea that I will coordinate from start to finish.”

19. Improve Typing Speed to 60 Words Per Minute in 3 Months

Fast, accurate typing saves time on homework and is valuable in most careers. Improving to 60 words per minute in three months means practicing regularly and tracking your progress.

Use free typing websites to test your speed now and practice a little each day. Watch how your speed increases week by week. This practical goal makes all your computer work faster and easier.

“I will increase my typing speed from 40 to 60 words per minute within 3 months by practicing on a typing tutorial website for 15 minutes daily, taking a timed test every Friday to measure progress, and typing my homework instead of writing by hand whenever possible.”

20. Create a LinkedIn Profile and Connect With 20 Professionals by Graduation

Starting to build your professional network while still in high school puts you ahead of many college students. Creating a LinkedIn profile and connecting with 20 professionals by graduation helps you learn about different careers.

Your profile can include school projects, volunteer work, and skills you’re developing. Connect with family friends, teachers, and people working in fields that interest you. This goal starts building relationships that could lead to future opportunities.

“I will create a complete LinkedIn profile by next month and connect with 20 professionals in fields I’m interested in before graduation by adding two new connections monthly, commenting thoughtfully on their posts, and requesting three informational interviews to learn about their career paths.”

Wrapping Up

Setting SMART goals puts you in the driver’s seat of your high school experience. These 20 goals touch on many parts of life—academics, health, social skills, and planning for the future. The best part is that you don’t need to try all 20 at once!

Pick one or two goals that speak to you right now and start there. As you achieve these first goals, your confidence will grow, and you’ll be ready to take on more. Each small step forward builds the skills and habits that will serve you well in college and beyond.