senioritis

Senioritis is an informal, non-medical term used to describe a perceived decline in motivation and performance among high school seniors and college seniors during the final year, especially in the months preceding graduation. The phrase is not a clinical diagnosis, but it is widely used to describe observable patterns of disengagement as students anticipate life beyond school.

Common symptoms include lower grades, reduced class participation, missed deadlines, procrastination, increased absences, and a general drop in effort toward assignments and exams. Some students complete work late or hand it in incomplete while maintaining earlier achievements in more routine activities. The behavior is thought to reflect burnout, anxiety about the future, perceived inevitability of outcomes, or a shift in priorities toward college, work, or social life.

Causes and contextual factors include heavy workloads earlier in the program, accumulated stress, looming decisions about college or employment, and a sense that the senior-year effort does not yield proportional rewards. External expectations and school policies can influence the degree of senioritis. The phenomenon varies with school culture and individual resilience.

Impact and management: While usually temporary, senioritis can affect GPA and scholarship prospects if patterns persist. Students may counteract it by setting short-term goals, creating structured schedules, maintaining sleep and exercise, seeking feedback from teachers or counselors, and reducing distractions. Schools can address it through consistent standards, engaging senior-year programs, and proactive advising.

Etymology and reception: The term combines senior with a medical suffix to imply illness. It is widely recognized in popular discourse but not universally accepted in academic contexts.