What is Senioritis and is There a Cure?
Each year a new batch of students get a hold of this common disease. What does this mean and should you be worried?
It is the seasonal affliction that is rampant in high schools all around the nation. Teachers worry because of it and class grades suffer from it. Following the end of the first semester and the college application process, many high school seniors contract the observable phenomenon known as ‘senioritis.’
Common symptoms of this epidemic include a lack of effort in class, severe procrastination, late or missing homework, and lower grades on assignments. But are students solely to blame for this educational apathy? Or is there something more to this drop in motivation? While some may think of ‘senioritis’ as an uncontrollable medical condition, most see it as an excuse for high school seniors to be lazy.
Although it is not a recognized medical condition or mental health disorder, ‘senioritis’ can be attributed to the finish-line mentality of high school. After thirteen years of school and several months of college preparation and applications, it is not hard to understand why many seniors crash the second semester. With acceptances to colleges, most seniors feel as if they have achieved their primary goal and, as a result, see no point in putting much effort into the remainder of high school.
While it is okay to relax, spend more time with friends, and enjoy life, one should know that the journey is not yet complete. In terms of grades, seniors should be in good standing to avoid the real possibility of their acceptance letter to a college getting rescinded. In addition, second semester offers seniors a chance to apply for scholarships and research more about the schools that they plan to attend and their intended majors.
If you are a senior who suffers from severe ‘senioritis,’ it is important to acknowledge the problem and address it accordingly. There are several things that seniors can do in an attempt to “cure” their ‘senioritis’ and includes studying smarter, self-reflection, “spring cleaning,” making time for relaxation, and, most importantly, persist.
Although the end is in sight and another chapter in life is about to begin, it is encouraged that seniors stay strong academically. In the end, it is about the journey, not the destination.