How to write Short Term and Long Term Goals Essay?
Talk to ExpertFeeling lost writing your grad school goals essay? Fear not. This guide unveils how to craft a stellar response. Learn to differentiate short-term (post-graduation) and long-term career aspirations. Discover practical tips like quantifying timelines and focusing on one goal for each category. This roadmap will help you impress admissions committees and secure your dream programme.
Let us discuss one of the most important essay questions: “How to write short-term and long-term goals essay?” Most universities abroad, in their admissions essays, ask the applicant to state his life’s goals. This could be a combined long answer question or two (maybe three) short answer questions. Irrespective of how they frame the question, they ask about both your short-term and long-term goals for the future. Therefore, it is essential to know how to write your short-term and long-term goals essay for graduate school.
Now, let us understand what is meant by long-term and short-term goals that the universities ask for. Short-term goals are your goals/ aspirations or career plans, immediately after the completion of the program that you are applying to. This would mean your current career path, and how you wish to modify your life, after completing the program. The idea is to know what you intend to do/achieve within the next three to five years. Remember, being a CEO of a major Fortune 500 company is not a short-term goal but a long-term goal! Short-term does not mean within the next year. Some students commit this common mistake while writing their goals essays. Some universities require you to write an essay on your short-term goals only. Thus, until and unless specified, short-term goals refer to your immediate career goals upon completion of the program that you are applying for.
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However, the long-term goal refers to what the applicant aspires to achieve in the next 10-15 years. Often, students mistake long-term goals for career aspirations beyond the course, which is not the case. It also does not mean that long-term refers to your retirement plans. Simply put, these are your career aspirations after a decade or so. For instance, setting up your own business, becoming the Lead Partner in a top Consultancy or being a senior-level Executive in a multinational, all qualify as long-term goals. You may also be required to discuss how you plan to achieve your long-term goals in paragraphs.
Things to Remember When Writing your Goals Essays
Here are some things to keep in mind while writing your short-term and long-term goals for graduate school essays:
- Quantify the years: It is important to quantify the years while writing your short-term and long-term goals for your graduate school essay. Clarity about the years you wish to put into a certain job/role is advisable as it adds value to your goals essay. It also demonstrates the fact that the goals are feasible and practical.
- Provide a better distinction between short and long-term goals: If the short-term and long-term goals questions are separate, then writing the response becomes simpler. In case there is only one question regarding your short and long-term goals, it is essential to demarcate between the two. Ideally, the short-term and long-term goals should be divided into separate paragraphs, and be written in chronological order. First, discuss the short-term, and then the long-term goals.
- Do not provide information that has not been sought: The questions also specify a word limit that should not be exceeded. Therefore, if the question refers only to your short-term goals, then limit the response to just that. Applicants tend to talk about what they want to do and end up giving too much information, which is not advisable.
- Either/or is not a good strategy: In the short-term and long-term goals for the graduate essay, you should stick to one goal. It is not correct to give more than one goal. Moreover, unless specifically asked for, do not discuss what you would do in case one goal does not materialize. In your essay, you should not sound underconfident or unsure.
- Always write why and how: Most importantly, saying that you wish to be an entrepreneur is not enough. Many questions ask you to answer both why and how in your goals essays. However, you must tell the admission committee what you wish to do, why you want to do it, why you think it would be ideal for you, and how you plan to achieve the same.
Having learnt how to write your short-term and long-term goals essay, the student must also remember that it is very much like a statement of purpose (SOP) – albeit with a specific question and a word limit. The applicant must focus on the question asked on short-term and long-term goals and adhere to the word limit specified by the university.
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How to Write Short Term and Long Term Goals Essay - FAQs
Does short term and long term goals for graduate essay have a word limit?
Most universities will specify the word limit for their short term and long term goals for graduate essay. The applicant must adhere to the word limit wherever specified by the university.
What is the difference between an SOP and a short term and long term goals for graduate essay?
While an SOP gives a complete and holistic picture of your background, academics, work experience, career goals, and other things, a short term and long term goals for graduate essay will focus only on your future career goals. The essay should not divert from the short term and long term goals.
Can you give more than one goal for the short term and long term goals essay?
You should stick to one goal, otherwise giving too many goals unless the question specifically asks it, may confuse the reader. You may also come across as confused.
Do I need to quantify the years in the short term and long term goals essay?
Even though it is not mandatory, specifying number of years will show more clarity on your part. For instance, saying in the next five years (instead of in the short term) I see myself working in an MNC as a project manager sounds better.
Q: How can I get admission in the University of Manchester?
The application process at the University of Manchester may vary depending on the course and level of study. However, here is the application process for UG and PG courses:
The Undergraduate Application Process:
Step 1: You can apply through the UCAS common application portal.
Step 2: Go to the website and select the course you are interested in.
Step 3: Ensure you meet the Entry requirements (Academic qualifications, English proficiency, etc.
Step 4: Once you decide on the course, submit documents such as SOP, Transcripts and personal statements.
Check out: tips to improve your SOP.
Step 5: You can track the application's progress through your given credentials by UCAS.
Step 6: Once the applicant submits the application to UCAS, it forwards to the University, and the admission teams carefully analyse the application document.
Step 7: The university will send you an offer letter once selected. Hence keep checking your UCAS portal for your application status.
The Postgraduate application process:
Step 1: Select the postgraduate course you are interested in from the University of Manchester.\
Step 2: Ensure you meet the entry requirements for the chosen program, as they vary depending on the course.
Step 3: Complete the online application by providing your personal information.
Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as Academic transcripts and proof of English language proficiency ( TOEFL/ IELTS). experience in your fields and references (depending on the course). You also may require Two LORs depending on the course.
To make your admission better, check out the following: How Admission Officers Evaluate your application.
Step 5: If your application is successful, you will receive an offer from the University of Manchester.
Q: Is university of West of Scotland good for international students?
The University of the West of Scotland has five modern and diverse campuses in United Kingdom. The University has welcomed more than 3,000 international students which are representing 1/3 of the globe. They also have 130 European partners who are actively in global study and exchange options through the Commonwealth universities programmes. The University also offers study abroad opportunities for UWS who are eligible for the same and also have more than 20 transnational education partners worldwide which helps them deliver UWS Bachelors and Masters Degrees around the world.
Q: What is University of Wales, Trinity Saint famous for?
University of Wales, Trinity Saint (UWTSD) was founded in 2010, is a public institution for higher education and research at multiple locations. It was set up under the 1828 royal charter of Lampeter, the institution was the result of the merger between Trinity University College and the University of Wales. The institution merged with the Swansea Metropolitan University in 2013.
- Top Ranked University: The UWTSD is not ranked by any major ranking body, however as per the university ranking given on the official website of the university, it is ranked among:
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Film Production and Photography
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Fashion and Textiles
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Graphic Design
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 5 Education
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Sports Science
- #1st in Wales and UK Top 20 Mechanical Engineering
- #1st in Wales for Fine Arts
- Variety of Courses: UWTSD offers more than 300 programs at various levels including undergraduate, postgraduate degrees as well as multiple online courses.
- Highly distinguished and learned faculties: the faculty at UWTSD is highly learned and distinguished which enables students to be the best in their field of study.
- High Placements: According to Graduate Outcome data 2019-2020 quoted by the UWTSD, more than 95% of its graduates were found to be employed within 15 Months of graduation. The average salary of a graduate is not explicitly released by UWTSD, however, as per some unofficial sources the average salary of the graduates of UWTSD is approximately INR 30-35L. with the highest salary being reported as high as INR 66.5L for jobs in Financial Services.
Q: What rank is Wolverhampton University in UK?
The University of Wolverhampton is one of the best universities in the United Kingdom. The university is consistently ranked among the best universities nationally and globally. For nearly 200 years, the University of Wolverhampton has been consistently providing a quality of education to students and producing highly skilled graduates. The national rankings of the University of Wolverhampton are given below:
| Ranking Body | Ranking |
|---|---|
| The Guardian University Guide 2024 | #101 |
| The Complete University Guide 2024 | #117 |
Q: Does the University of Essex require IELTS?
International students whose native language is not English must meet the University of Essex English language requirements to get admission. The university accepts IELTS scores as proof of English language proficiency. Mentioned below are the IELTS scores required for UG and PG admission at the university:
English Language Test | Score |
|---|---|
IELTS | Overall score of 5.5 to 8.0 with minimum of 5.5 to 7.5 in each section |
The university also accepts the score of other English language tests such as TOEFL and PTE for admission to undergraduate and graduate programs:
English Language Test | Score |
TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 72 to 114 |
PTE | Overall score of 59 to 84 with minimum of 59 to 80 in each section |
Also read: Required IELTS Score for UK Universities
Q: Why indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School - UK?
Indian students choose to study at Hult International Business School in the UK for several reasons, including its highly ranked programs, global outlook, and career support. Hult offers a range of full-time master’s degrees, immersive bachelor's programs, and MBA options that prepare students to excel in the global job market. The school is the largest and top-ranked global business school, providing students with an incomparable universal outlook. Additionally, Hult's focus on experiential learning, extensive career support, and the opportunity to study at multiple campuses around the world are attractive to Indian students seeking a global business education. Furthermore, the school's emphasis on innovation and meeting the needs of students and employers may also contribute to its appeal to Indian students
Q: How to prepare for UK 10th board exam 2025?
Those who are preparing for the UK Class 10 exam 2025 are recommended to follow the tips below.
- Know the exam pattern
- Make a proper time table as per the syllabus
- Solve previous year question papers
- Make short notes of important formulas and theorems
- Revise regularly
- Figure out weaker areas and learn them well
With proper planning and hard work, students can easily clear the UK 10th board exam.
Q: How good is the University of Chester (UK)?
University of Chester is surely a good option for international students mainly beacuse of a diverse range of excellent academic programs.Below are some reasons why University of Chester is good:
Academics: The University of Chester offers over 200 undergraduate, postgraduate, and research degree programs to international students. The University of Chester University offers undergraduate major and minor courses. Students can also pursue master’s or doctoral programs at the University of Chester University.
Location of the university - The University of is in a location where arts & culture, technology industry and entertainment industry providing endless internship. International Students have access to beaches, outdoor activities, live music/performances and attractions which makes their make campus life more enjoyable. The location gives University of Chester students an additional mark to study at University of Chester.
Ranking: Many global ranking sources like THE (Times Higher Education), etc., have ranked University of Chester among the top universities in the world since 2021. These bodies consistently rank it among the top universities in UK.
Fees: : The cost of attending University of Chester for Indian students can vary depending on several factors. Tuition fees for international students at University of Chester are typically higher than for Uk citizens. However, it is important that the tuition fee can change over time, and it is recommended to visit the official website to recheck the fees and accommodation. Indian students should also consider other costs such as housing, health insurance, meals and transportation attending University of Chester.
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