Senioritis Strikes: Navigating the Final stretch of High School

By: Aja sudlerMay 23, 2024

As the final year of high school approaches for seniors around the country many students find themselves facing a common enemy: senioritis. This condition can sneak up on even the most dedicated students. But with the right strategies, you can overcome senioritis.


According to the U.S Department of Education senioritis is characterized by tendencies such as arriving late or skipping class, decreased motivation, or behaving irresponsibly by investing little effort in schoolwork. Senioritis can affect students in different ways.


"I used to be really motivated and focused , but now that I'm a senior, I find myself just going through the motions," says Laila, a senior at G.W Carver High School of Engineering and Science 

This graph shows that average number of D's and F's by grading period that seniors got in 2022 reported by self-identified current seniors (informal survey).  45% of students gave a 5 which indicates that they have experienced senioritis.

A large part of the problem with senioritis is that it can make even simple tasks feel overwhelming. This can be due to the excitement of graduation that builds, it can be tempting to coast through the final months of high school without putting in much effort.


"I keep telling myself that it's just a couple more months, but sometimes it feels like an eternity," admits Andrea, another senior.


Despite these challenges, there are many ways to overcome senioritis and stay on track. You can start by setting small, achievable goals that can help break tasks down into manageable steps. This will make them feel less daunting.


"What I did was start making to-do lists and then after I would set deadlines for myself," explains Aldwin, a senior who has struggled with senioritis in the past.


Another strategy is to stay connected with classmates and teachers. Surround yourself with supportive peers. Encouraging students will help to provide motivation. And maintaining open communication with teachers can help you stay on top of assignments and deadlines.


"I've found that study groups with friends have made the worst subjects more enjoyable," says Andrea, a senior.


Staying involved in school activities also helps students to stay motivated. According to Southern New Hampshire University getting involved in extracurricular activities outside of the class keeps students attending school which helps with students skipping class.


”My attendance improved significantly after I realized I had to be in school to play in my basketball games.” Said Aldwin.


And the last strategy is to ask for help when you need it. As you continue to push through the challenges during your senior year, you should always keep 8n mind  that it's okay to get assistance. Whether it's reaching out to a teacher for extra support or talking to a friend about managing stress, there are resources available to help you succeed.


”Don't be afraid to reach out if you're struggling," advised Aldwin a former senior who struggled with senioritis and overcame it.”


This graph shows the amount of students, who attend Westerville North high school, who were asked if they have ever experienced senioritis in 2022 reported survey. Over 75% of students reported that they have experienced senioritis.

In the end, overcoming senioritis is all about finding a balance between enjoying the final moments of high school and staying focused on your goals for the future. The best way to do this is by staying organized, staying connected. This will help you to stay motivated ,make the most of your senior year and set yourself up for success beyond graduation


"Senior year is a time to reflect and celebrate how far you've come and look forward to what lies ahead so stay focused, and remember that life has so much more in store for you.” said Aldwin