As the school year ends, there’s a big change in high schools everywhere. Hallways that used to be full of busy students rushing to study for tests or get ready for sports games start to quiet down. This slower pace means one thing: senioritis has kicked in.
Senioritis is a term people use for when high school seniors lose their motivation and don’t do as well in school as they get closer to graduation. Teachers and school leaders see this happen all the time. With college acceptances in hand, many seniors feel like they’ve already finished and start to relax too much.
Studies show that not staying focused can have real consequences. Colleges and future employers expect seniors to keep up their good work. If they don’t, they might lose their college spots or job offers, which can turn what should be a fun time into a lot of stress.
Even with these risks, seniors often feel a sense of ease and excitement for the future. Ola Isola, a high school senior, explains, “After pushing ourselves for almost four years, and especially after finishing college applications, everyone just starts to feel worn out. It’s not that we don’t care, it’s that we’re all just tired and ready for something new.”
To help fight this senior slump, schools try different things. They might set up big projects or workshops on how to manage time and set goals.
Parents also have an important role during this time. Dr. Lisa Hammond, a psychologist who works with teenagers, advises parents to keep talking openly with their kids. “It’s important to understand the stress of this stage,” she says. “Recognizing their efforts while reminding them to finish strong can help keep seniors motivated.”
As the school year wraps up, seniors are torn between looking forward to their freedom and meeting the last demands of high school. Despite the temptation to coast through to graduation, teachers and experts agree: the final months of high school matter a lot.
With graduation just around the corner, teachers and parents hope that seniors see the value in ending strong—not only for their report cards but for their pride and readiness for the future.
