Regular Article Achievement goal orientation, or individuals’ approach to engaging in and responding to achievement situations, can influence subsequent learning behaviors and academic performance (Adesope, Zhou, & Nesbit, 2015; Bernacki, Byrnes, & Cromley, 2012; Payne, Youngcourt, & Beaubien, 2007; Senko, Hulleman, & Harackiewicz, 2011; Zychinski, & Polo, 2012). Although achievement goal orientation theory has evolved over the past several decades, a tripartite model comprising mastery, performance-approach, and performance- avoidance goals is predominant in the literature (Elliot & Dweck, 2013). Respectively, these goal dimensions Achievement Goal Orientation in Chinese Societies: Implications for College Counseling Ching-Chen Chen 1 Wei-Wen Chen 2 George B. Richardson 3 Chia-Liang Dai 1 Jared Lau 1 Danica G. Hays 1 Journal of Asia Pacific Counseling ⓒ 2018 The Korean Counseling Association www.japconline.org 2018, Vol.8, No.1, 1-17 Doi : 10.18401.2018.8.1.1 Abstract Achievement goal orientation has been linked to various academic and psychosocial outcomes within the United States and globally. As college counselors increasingly work with a diversified student body, it is imperative that they understand goal orientation and how it should be assessed among various cultures and subcultures. This study evaluated the functioning of the Achievement Goal Scale items across samples from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau and tested whether metric (i.e., goal orientation dimensions had the same meanings) and scalar (i.e., means could be compared across groups) invariance held. Findings suggest that goal orientation can be assessed across Chinese societies and, therefore, used to inform the development of culturally appropriate counseling approaches when working with college students. Implications for counseling practice and research are provided. Keywords: achievement goal orientation, college counseling, Chinese 1 University of Nevada, Las Vegas 2 University of Macau 3 University of Cincinnati Corresponding Author Ching-Chen Chen, College of Education, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 4505 S. Maryland Parkway, MS 3001, Las Vegas, NV 89154-3001, USA Email: ching-chen.chen@unlv.edu