As the first semester gives way to the second semester, many seniors find themselves left with a terrible case of senioritis. While not an actual disease, seniors are afflicted with these feelings every year. After years of hard work and dedication to academics, students find themselves burnt out, especially as college acceptances start rolling in. This begins to affect grades, attendance, and emotional well-being. While seniors deserve to celebrate their final months of high school, starting to slack off during the final semester can be a slippery slope. 

Senioritis can be a debilitating feeling. Our bodies are fatigued from years of built-up sleep debt due to all-nighters and early mornings. It can be difficult to find the motivation to do anything, let alone schoolwork or homework. After speaking to Warren seniors, one described it as “a horrible feeling that’s getting the best of me,” and another as “I’m just unable to shake it”. Every other senior that I spoke with responded had a resounding “YES” when asked if they thought senioritis was affecting their school and daily lives. 

Some seniors believe that since they are already accepted into a college, they do not have to keep up their academic performance. This is not true. Falling below the expectation of admitted colleges can lead to severe consequences, such as having an acceptance withdrawn by the school. Acceptance letters are very clear to add that offers of admission are contingent upon “satisfactory academic performance” and that they may “revoke offers of admission” at any time. So while it might be tempting to take the day off to sleep, or skip that big project, it is important to finish the second semester strong. Additionally, Warren has put a policy in place to seemingly combat senioritis: the prospect of NO finals! If Warren seniors have 0 unexcused absences and less than 5 excused absences, all the while maintaining a B or higher in a class, they will not have to take finals for that class. You do not want to be here while all your other friends are already on their summer break. Take advantage of this sweet incentive! 

Additional resources are also available to help with senioritis. Along with the school social workers and counselors, other tips and practices may help to alleviate stress, as seen in the infographic below. 

As a fellow senior with similar feelings, this is the advice I have been given and now give to you. This is the last time you will be in high school, so enjoy every moment. There is going to be a whole different world out there, and even with how exciting that is, remember to embrace the life you currently have. There is still so much to learn from the time we are now in. You should be proud of yourself for how far you have come. If you still are struggling to feel motivated, try to find things you used to be passionate about and that helped you get to this point. Don’t stop now, you’re almost there!