Senioritis is the term for a phenomenon that many students experience towards the end of their high school career. From lack of motivation or increased procrastination to preoccupation with sociality, seniors may start to feel sluggish towards the end of the school year.
“I slowed down on my work because of the idea that I would pass my classes either way,” senior Justin Haney said.
However, it is important for students to keep their grades as strong as possible.
“You don’t want to mess yourself up here at the end. [Colleges] could question why you’re letting up towards the end,” college counselor Glenn McKinstry said. “Most colleges and universities by now have already sent out acceptance letters, but that doesn’t mean you should just give up.”
Senioritis can be a result of a fear of the future or shifting priorities, but grades can plummet quickly, so it’s important to finish strong, especially during senior year.
“In all my years of working with high school students, I’ve seen students do so much damage in the last couple months of their senior year,” college counselor Emma Lane said. “We all have to dig our heels in and finish strong. Even though it feels like the end, it’s not the end.”
Senioritis is also a common experience in college seniors, so it is important to find ways to handle it now to prepare for a productive future.
Managing goals can help students focus on their main priorities rather than their future ones. Separating long-term goals from short-term goals can shift energy to goals that feel more accessible.
“Don’t give up just because you are getting close to the end. You want to continue on to make the best grades you possibly can,” McKinstry said.
Focusing on previous accomplishments can also help a student visualize their motivation. For example, students spend years and years studying and achieving academic goals, so why stop now?
Motivation is a main factor in senioritis. Rewards for reaching goals will condition the brain to be inclined to reach them.
Consequences from a drop in performance can impact potential college opportunities as well. College advisors like to see students who finish strong.
“Colleges do pay special attention to senior grades. Grades are also an indicator of attendance. If your grades are strong and stay strong, you are more than likely a student who does the work and puts the time in,” Lane said. “Colleges want to make sure that students have the ability to be present in their college atmosphere.”
Therefore, students need to remember their main goal.
“Finish strong. You’re almost there,” Lane said.
