As the final semester of high school winds down, a familiar affliction spreads through the senior class: senioritis. Characterized by a lack of motivation, procrastination and a strong urge to abandon schoolwork in favor of daydreaming about summer, senioritis is an unofficial but widely recognized phenomenon that affects students in their last year of high school.
“I used to be the kind of student who never missed a deadline,” senior Srinidhi Prabhala said. “But now? I stare at my assignments for hours before finally convincing myself I can do them later. [Spoiler alert:] I never do.”
Teachers and counselors see the effects of senioritis every year. For some students, grades slip as they mentally check out, while others scramble to maintain their academic standing to secure college admission. Despite warnings, many seniors find it hard to stay engaged. With prom, senior trips and graduation festivities on the horizon, academics can seem like a secondary concern.
“At this point, it feels like we’ve already made it,” senior Binadie Wickramasinghe said. “It’s hard to care about another essay when we’re so close to being done.”
Some students, however, are trying to fight the urge to give in.
“I won’t lie—senioritis is real,” senior Sarah Sodawala said. “But I remind myself that I didn’t work this hard for three and a half years just to fumble at the finish line. Future me is going to thank me for pushing through.”
Experts suggest setting small goals, maintaining a routine and reminding oneself of the long-term benefits of finishing strong. For those heading to college, avoiding the slump can also make the transition to higher education smoother. Additionally, staying engaged with school activities, seeking support from teachers or peers and regularly reflecting on personal aspirations can help maintain motivation and prevent senioritis.
With just a few months left before caps and gowns take center stage, seniors must decide whether to push through or let senioritis take control.
“The finish line is right there,” Sodawala said. “You can either walk across it or sprint through it—but either way, you’ll look back and realize these last few months still mattered.”
