Senioritis: An Unfortunate and Debilitating Condition

Well, it’s February and second semester is underway.  For seniors it is the last semester they will spend at Nipmuc before going off to college, work, the military, or whatever other exciting endeavors await them.  With graduation just four months away, it could be really easy to fall into the grips of a nasty case of “Senioritis.”  Senioritis is a colloquial term we use to describe loss of motivation that some students experience when they are so close to the end of high school that it feels like they already have those diplomas in their pockets.  

Here are some common signs and symptoms of Senioritis:

• General feeling of laziness
• Wanting to spend all time with peers
• Declining grades
• Dropping classes
• Increased absences or tardies
• Missing curfew
• Poor hygiene
• General apathy towards future plans
• Use or abuse of alcohol or drugs
• Missed assignments or activities
  
  
  

  
  

Does this sound like you or someone you know?  If so, it’s time to get help!  The worse you let a case of Senioritis get, the more serious the outcomes become.  Worst case scenario, your future plans of college, work, or military could be in jeopardy.  

Yes, colleges can revoke acceptances based on your performance in the second half of your senior year.  In fact, take another look at your acceptance letters.  They probably say something like, “It is important to note that this offer of admission is conditional upon you completing your current academic work in the manner that led to your admission,” or “It is understood that you will maintain satisfactory grades throughout your senior year and that you will complete all requirements for graduation.”  Almost every single acceptance letter that students at Nipmuc submitted to the School Counseling Center has a sentence like these.  

So, what can you do to avoid a scary case of Senioritis?  First and foremost, continue to put in the same amount of time to your school work that you have been in order to keep your grades up.  Remember that poor attendance in school usually has a negative effect on grades as well, so do your best to be in school for the full day every day.  Even though school is a priority, be sure to set aside some time to spend doing fun activities with friends and family.  This is a good time to embrace closeness and togetherness before you head off on your own.  Remember, too, that family time will be more meaningful if everyone is getting along, so continue to follow the rules of your home even though you’re feeling ready to be an independent adult.

If you’re sensing some Senioritis coming on and aren’t sure how well you can handle it on your own, ask for help.  See your counselor, talk to your parents, and work with your friends to motivate each other.  May 29th will be here before you know it, so make sure you’ve got a spot on that stage!