Senior Year In High School

Senior year is theoretically the greatest years of one’s life, whether in high school or college. Seniors in high school begin preparation to attend numerous events such as; senior prom, home coming, applying for college, and graduation. Seniors in college and graduate schools begin to envision life without; homework, late nights cramming for tests, applying for jobs, applying for higher education, not to mention trips to celebrate graduation. However, high school teachers and college professors have a different perspective believing senior year can be terribly difficult for a few students. Meaning, students’ are being baited by the light at the end of the tunnel, turning their focus away from studying and maintaining a higher GPA to planning

It is defined as “1. A decrease in motivation toward studies displayed by students who are nearing the end of their high school, college, and graduate school careers. 2. A reduction of academic focus or worsening of academic performance characteristic of some high-school seniors, especially after acceptance into college” (American Heritage Dictionary ). Another way of defining senioritis according to Merriam-Webster dictionary: an ebbing [or diminishing] of motivation and effort by school seniors as evidenced by tardiness, absences, and lower grades (Merriam-Webster.com).

The fact of the matter is, a student does not have to show all symptoms to be diagnosed with senioritis, nor do they have to be a senior in high school or college. Senioritis can strike anyone any time regardless of sex, age, race, or level on education. Senioritis may affect a person differently than others. There are many factors as why a student develops senioritis including but not limited to: stress, anxiety, possibility of moving to a new location (job, school, state), regret of leaving friends behind, financial concerns, and life altering changes (marriage, career path, etc.) (Wallack and

For some, the answer could be clear-cut as challenging a student to participate in a rigorous course or program. Either way it is important that a student feel a since of belonging, be provided incentives (early graduation, or concurrent enrollment, scholarships). Students must maintain positivity and support from family, friends and teachers (Puente). This will ensure a student will remain focused and driven, feeling a since of importance and ecstatic to achieving their goals. “Research suggests that addressing the transition from [high school to college] or college to work earlier in a student’s academic career can be helpful. Also, evidence that suggests the positive relationship between academic stress, depression, and physical illness can be offset by both emotional and informational communication” (Wallack and