How to Beat Senioritis

Any high school senior knows the feeling of senioritis, which Wikipedia defines as a building decrease of motivation that occurs as students finish up their final year in school. Perhaps the most interesting aspect of senioritis is that no student can be completely immune; this "disease" can strike anyone at any time. As the new school year is quickly approaching, many students are getting ready to head back for one last year of academia. So, I have proposed a few ideas to help keep senioritis at bay - at least long enough to complete senior year!

First, plan your schedule accordingly. Factor in the classes that you need to take to fulfill graduation requirements, then add a fun elective or two. If possible, even plan a study hall so that you have extra time to focus on schoolwork. Although teachers understand that seniors are on their way out of the school, they still have topics to cover and work to assign. Make sure that you factor in your after-school activities as well. Each week, make a schedule of what assignments are due, what clubs meet that week, and any additional appointments that might come up.

Second, remember that even after the college acceptances roll in, schools still keep an eye on incoming freshmen. An acceptance from your school of choice can be revoked if the school does not think that you will be able to perform up to set standards. Some students enter senior year with the idea that once they have picked a college, they will be able to slack off the rest of the year. This isn't the case, as colleges will still receive students' final transcripts. Sadly, decisions can and will be revoked for the students who bring their 4.0 average down to a 1.7.

Next, make sure to reach out to a friend, family member, or guidance counselor if you are feeling the pressure. If you have noticed a slip in grades, a lack of concentration while studying, or the inability to focus, it is best to let someone else know that you are feeling conflicted. Most likely, one of your friends will be able to relate to the feeling of senioritis completely, so talking through the issue can help. You might even make a plan to help keep the other motivated. A family member or guidance counselor might also help by telling about how other students have successfully gotten past senioritis. The most important part is knowing that you are not alone in these feelings and that the year will pass.

Senioritis seems to creep in the most while studying, so make sure to give yourself a set amount of time to study, along with breaks during. Take good notes in class so you know what to study, and figure out how you best study. Do you make flashcards? Reread your notes? Draw pictures? Discuss the topics? Figuring out how you study best will help to minimize study time, which in turn will help to fight the decreasing motivation. Also, give yourself rewards while you study; take a minute to play a video game, have a snack, take a walk, exercise, etc. Breaking up the monotony will help you study better and faster.

Finally, and most importantly, make sure to have fun senior year. Though the pressures of college can be daunting, there are also many fun activities senior year that cannot be missed. So, make sure to go to that Homecoming game, attend Prom, celebrate Spirit Week, and so on. Having fun with friends can help to break senioritis, as it allows you time to get out and see the people you care about the most.

Senioritis is not fun for any student, and many of us have been there. However, it is possible to get past this affliction and have a successful senior year. It all comes down to a balance of study time, fun time, and a careful plan to incorporate both of these necessities. Good luck to all the seniors this year!