We’ve all heard about Senioritis—an affliction that strikes many high school seniors. It’s a term commonly used to describe a lack of motivation by students reaching the end of their school years—often characterized by procrastination and a loss of interest in studies. Some students even experience a drop in grades or start skipping classes. Just how serious is Senioritis? What are its consequences? And what can be done to combat it?
Senioritis is real.
Although many people like to joke about it, Senioritis is a very real problem that plagues many students at some point during their senior year. According to a study conducted by the student magazine Omniscient, 78% of all high school seniors across the United States experience some form of Senioritis. While the way it affects students can be different across the board, most agree that it manifests with a lack of motivation to do homework or fulfill assignments. Students may shrug it off by thinking that it’s just something that happens to all seniors, but there are many reasons to be concerned—especially when it comes to college admission and enrollment.
What causes Senioritis?
While a lack of motivation is the main symptom reported by those suffering from Senioritis, there are several reasons why this can happen. These include:
- Burnout. When students have been on the path to achieve so much in such a little time, they may begin to feel fatigued—what many commonly refer to as burnout. It takes a lot of energy to stay on course and to get accepted into a college of your choice. All the classes, homework, extracurricular activities, and application requirements can be overwhelming, to say the least.
- Feeling like goals are already met. In a world where people look at education as the means to achieve a goal, that goal is often getting into a college. If a student feels like they’ve done everything they need to do after getting accepted, they may not be as motivated to work hard. However, it is important to remember that education is a journey that requires work every step of the way. The college admission process doesn’t end with an acceptance letter. Colleges care what you do your senior year.
- Boredom. Let’s face it, everyone experiences boredom at some point during their educational journey. Both teachers and students play an important role in keeping subject matter interesting. This is where creativity comes into play. Finding ways to make learning fun is crucial.
- Fear. Entering into a new situation with many unknowns can cause fear and anxiety. This is true for many students when they look at life after high school. They realize that their primary education is coming to an end, and they feel as if they’re losing control. While they may look forward to college life and the freedom it brings, thoughts of change can still be scary.
- It’s a convenient excuse. Many students blame their indifference or lack of motivation on Senioritis, using it as an excuse for not completing tasks or working up to their potential. It is important for them to nip this in the bud and remind themselves that staying focused now will reap benefits in the long run and alleviate unnecessary stress.
What do prospective colleges think about Senioritis?
No high school student can deny that Senioritis exists—even if it doesn’t affect them (and they are lucky if it doesn’t.) Similarly, colleges recognize that Senioritis is a serious issue for many high school seniors. However, they are less likely to accept it as an excuse for faltering grades or lack of participation in certain activities. If you want to know what colleges really think about Senioritis, here are some things to remember:
- Grades matter. While the junior year of high school is the main year many colleges consider for admission purposes, they are looking at other years as well—in particular the senior year. They need to see that students’ motivation for success has not waned, and that they are continuing to stay on track. In short, they want to see students taking their education seriously. If they don’t, colleges can deny or even rescind an offer for admission.
- Extracurriculars are important. While it may be tempting to cut back on some activities, colleges recognize these as an important component to an application and want to see students remaining active in their schools and communities. Choosing which extracurriculars to drop or continue should be given serious consideration.
- Good behavior is mandatory. Senior pranks are one thing, but getting into trouble during one’s senior year is going to be frowned upon by most colleges—especially when laws are broken. It is also important to mention that student social media activity could be monitored. College applicants should be careful what they post. The rule of thumb is “when in doubt, leave it out.” Don’t forget that colleges want responsible students who respect others and themselves.
How can students deal with Senioritis?
Fighting Senioritis is all about keeping a positive attitude and resisting the temptation to slack off. Students must continue to remind themselves of their end goal—to finish high school strong and keep the interest of prospective colleges. Sharing what they are going through with an academic advisor, guidance counselor, or mentor may be beneficial. These people can provide ideas and resources for managing Senioritis. They can help students remain excited, active, and focused—which helps some avoid the problem altogether. Staying organized and setting smaller goals with rewards for reaching those goals can also help. Keeping a calendar of activities and deadlines helps control stress and keeps students focused.
Students should be able to enjoy the senior experience responsibly while continuing to challenge themselves academically. But most have worked hard their first three years of high school and may feel that they deserve a ‘break”—which is more than ok. Planning breaks keeps the mind and body from crashing. Engaging in activities they enjoy, or simply taking time to relax is necessary for a well-balanced life and will help students recharge and refocus.
For more information on this and other related topics, please contact us. We have an excellent experienced staff ready to help students navigate college admissions.
