Senioritis: Why OHS Seniors Need to Finish out the Year Strong

By Gavin Rhodes

As we are now in late April with only 30 days of school left to date, many of us seniors are coming down with the typical, end-of-the-year senioritis, where their performance and motivation plummet at the end of the year. But what are the causes and possible consequences of senioritis and why should OHS seniors try to avoid it?

First of all, what actually causes senioritis? Southern New Hampshire University Advisor Abbey Tichner said senioritis is “the feeling of seeing the finish line and realizing that you don’t have to work as hard to cross it.” This can manifest itself for a variety of reasons.  

In other words, senioritis can be caused by having too much confidence in meeting the graduation requirements as well as not completing assignments and still expecting to pass required classes. In order to pass a class, students must earn 60% of the possible points or a D- or higher. This is such a low bar to meet which causes many students to neglect doing formative work. As a result, if students don't do formative work, their performance on summative work will surely decline making it easier than expected to fail a class. Depending on the class, if a student fails it, they may not be able to graduate on time. 

If that was not enough, planning and focusing on after-graduation plans more than finishing high school can also increase the effects of senioritis. For example, many students at this point who are planning to attend college have already been accepted and committed. Depending on the University will have very basic grade requirements in order for students to retain their admission. 

Last year I heard a senior in one of my classes who I will keep anonymous say, “As long as I keep a C average my college will still let me attend in the fall.” As a result, this student did ask the teacher if every assignment had a formative or summative meaning to the student, and if they were going to do it or not. 

But even if students slack off the senior year and still manage to graduate and stay eligible for their post-secondary plans, the effects of senioritis can carry with seniors well into next year as the mindset of doing the bare minimum in college and other post-secondary environments. This is especially true for colleges because most colleges require a C average to graduate with a degree and most classes do not allow retakes on tests.  

The good news is, if you or someone you know have senioritis, all hope is not lost, there are ways to overcome senioritis. 

Tincher from SNHU said, “Set short and long-term goals to stay motivated. Crushing those short-term goals will make you feel good and allow you to celebrate small victories.”

Tincher also said, “Create a reward system if you find you are motivated by certain outcomes,” Tincher said. Plan for a night out for dinner and a movie, attending an event you want to attend, or going on a well-deserved vacation on the condition that you reach your goals.” 

Graduation may be just around the corner but we need to sprint all the way to the finish line on June 9th. Having the goal-setting mindset to get assignments done and do well on tests, our seniors will be in great shape to walk on June 11th.