It starts as a whisper in the back of your mind: Do I really need to do this assignment? Then, it grows louder: It’s just one missing homework… what’s the worst that could happen? Before you know it, senioritis has taken over, and suddenly, napping seems more important than studying for finals.
For seniors everywhere, senioritis is a real and unavoidable experience. After years of stressing over grades, tests, and extracurriculars, it’s easy to start feeling burned out—especially once college applications are submitted. But while taking a break sounds tempting, slacking off too much can have real consequences. Colleges can revoke acceptances, final grades still affect transcripts, and the habits you develop now could stick with you in college or beyond.
Senioritis isn’t an actual medical condition, but it might as well be. It’s that overwhelming feeling of exhaustion, lack of motivation, and indifference toward schoolwork that often hits high school seniors in their final months. It’s the sudden urge to prioritize sleep over studying, socializing over assignments, and coasting instead of pushing through.
Many students admit that senioritis is not just about laziness—it’s about burnout. After years of hard work, the thought of one more research paper or test can feel exhausting. Even straight-A student Paige Morris struggles with senioritis, she tells me, ” I try to stay motivated but sometimes it is hard. Since I have been accepted into colleges, I have definitely handed in some work late.”
Symptoms of Senioritis
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, you might be suffering from senioritis:
- Constantly saying, “I’ll do it later,” but never actually doing it.
- Falling asleep in class (or just skipping altogether).
- A sudden love for procrastination.
- More time spent planning graduation parties than studying for exams.
- A decrease in effort, especially in classes you once cared about.
- Ignoring assignments until the very last minute—or not doing them at all.
One senior, Jasmin Mullins, shared their experience, saying, ” I struggle most with waking up early in the mornings. Other than that I am doing really well this year. Looking towards Graduation is helping to keep me motivated.”
While a little slacking off might seem harmless, senioritis can have serious consequences. Colleges do check final transcripts, and a significant drop in grades can lead to rescinded admissions or lost scholarships. In some cases, students even risk not meeting graduation requirements.
Maddy Oakley, a senior at Concord High School says, “My grades have dropped since last year. The freedom to stay home or leave early makes it harder for me to finish all my assignments on time.”
If senioritis has already set in, don’t worry—it’s not too late to turn things around. Here are some ways to stay motivated and finish strong:
- Set Mini-Goals – Instead of thinking about the months ahead, focus on smaller tasks. Finish that one assignment. Study for just 30 minutes. Reward yourself for small victories.
- Keep a Routine – It’s easy to fall into lazy habits, but sticking to a schedule will help keep you on track. Try setting designated study times and sticking to them.
- Find Motivation – Remember why you started. Graduation, college, and your future career are all on the horizon. Visualize crossing the stage and receiving your diploma.
- Make It Fun – Senior year is stressful, but it’s also meant to be enjoyed. Plan study sessions with friends, get involved in school events, and make the most of your final months.
- Remember Consequences – Colleges do check final transcripts, and bad grades can impact scholarships. Don’t let a few months of laziness ruin years of hard work.
A teacher at Concord High School, Mr. Couling, advises, ” Set small goals for yourself. Plan wisely to have enough time to spend with friends and get all your schoolwork done. Remind yourself that the end goal is graduation.’
Senioritis is real, but so is the finish line. This is your last year of high school—make it count. Enjoy the moments, push through the challenges, and finish strong. Because when you finally walk across that graduation stage, you’ll want to know that you truly earned it.
