Senioritis: an attitude epidemic sweeping the halls of our very high school. Many seniors feel like they are set once they get accepted into college, so they relinquish the reins on their school work. Their work ethic plummets and their grades slip through the cracks. However, this shift in attitude toward school is up to each student and there are ways to power through.

The Merriam-Webster definition of senioritis is “an ebbing of motivation and effort by school seniors as evidenced by tardiness, absences, and lower grades.” This “ebbing” may not seem serious in the short-term with graduation approaching, but it has the potential for significant consequences. According to The College Board, many colleges look for the completion of all the courses listed in the application. Failing to complete or upkeep grades can result in rescinding of college admissions or reduction in financial aid offers.

Senioritis tends to be caused by at least one of the following things: boredom, the feeling that one has reached the “goal” of high school, sadness and denial, anticipation, and convenience. 

Senioritis can have lasting effects as well, even past graduation as students begin college. According to research done by the National Association for College Admission Counseling, freshman year of college is not as easy as it seems but it is even more difficult for students who haven’t maintained the best study and attendance habits. 

Advice on finishing out the year from Assistant Principal Mr. Laboski, and Mr. Behrens, one of the grade 12 guidance counselors, are consistent in focusing on the future and life beyond high school. A high school diploma is still needed for work, military, and trade school. Mr. Behrens emphasized that pushing through the final few months is something every student is capable of.

Colleges often end up being one of the big motivators for students to finish out the year strong. Zach Vaneman, a senior, felt senioritis begin to kick in after winter break, but finds his motivation for school work because he is “still waiting to hear from competitive colleges that will look at [his] final transcript”. 

Some additional tips to overcome senioritis include maintaining a challenging course load, enjoying the senior experience, committing to an internship or career-focused job, keeping a calendar of deadlines and other important dates, and avoiding obsessing over the college admission process.