It all starts with a missing homework assignment here and there. Then, suddenly, you’re refreshing your grades with one eye closed, hoping your teacher hasn’t updated Schoology yet.
“I’ve felt senioritis since the first day of school,” said senior Henry Stimson. “After winter break, it got a lot worse… I have ten missing assignments right now.”
Procrastination levels are at an all-time high, motivation is disappearing faster than the school year, and “I’ll just wing it” has become less of a last-minute decision and more of a daily routine. Sound familiar? If so, you’ve officially been stung by senioritis.
With graduation in sight and the majority of college acceptance letters secured, many seniors find themselves coasting through the final stretch, prioritizing sleep over studying and social plans over going to class. At this point, the biggest test isn’t in the classroom— it’s finding the motivation to cross the finish line without totally giving up.
“I think since we came back from a winter break, I just haven’t wanted to come to school anymore,” said senior Sarina Bedi. “I don’t have the type of senioritis where I don’t get my work done because I’m definitely still on top of things, but I think it’s really just finding something to come to school for.”
Some say senioritis is just an excuse for laziness, but there’s actually some psychology behind it. When a big milestone like graduation is in sight, motivation naturally starts to fade. This is known as the goal-gradient effect, where people work harder at the beginning and slow down as they near the end.
After years of tests, essays, and early mornings, seniors are mentally exhausted, making it even harder to stay engaged. Plus, with college decisions made, required service hours fulfilled, and Challenge Projects nearly complete, the pressure that once pushed students forward suddenly disappears. As a result, the mindset of being “good enough” replaces the previous drive to succeed.
Senioritis doesn’t hit all at once— it generally comes in phases. First is denial, where seniors convince themselves they won’t slack off like everyone else. Then the effort starts slipping, but excuses take over like: “Do I really need to study? My grade can survive one bad test.” Finally, there’s the full surrender, when seniors embrace the inevitable. Assignments turn into “optional suggestions,” and the most iconic excuse of all— “But I’m already accepted” —becomes the daily justification.
“For me, it feels like my classes don’t matter anymore,” said senior Max Ralph. “Except, if you’re in AP English with Mrs. Hoar, the research paper makes it really hard to have senioritis.”
Fighting— or, realistically, managing— senioritis doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your social life. It’s about finding balance. Staying on top of schoolwork doesn’t require perfection, but consistency helps. Balancing fun and responsibility is key, too. When motivation feels like it disappeared the moment senior year started, remember graduation and college are just around the corner. Sometimes, a little reminder of what’s waiting ahead is all you need to power through the final semester.
“My advice is to do enough to not have a chance of getting your offer rescinded,” said librarian Gail Bloom.
“I think you could probably generalize senioritis to a lot of other areas, whether it be in college or professionally,” said Dean of Students Laura Leonard. “So, I think learning how to lock in and push through those moments— even when you’re really more interested in sleeping in— is good to learn now.”
Even though it is tempting to give in to senioritis, finishing strong still matters. It’s about more than just grades— it’s about setting yourself up for success in life, whether you’re off to college, work, or taking a gap year.
These last months are a chance to truly enjoy what’s left of high school— hanging out with friends, making memories, and soaking it all in before everyone goes in their separate directions. It’s important to live in the moment, but also to step back and recognize all there is to appreciate in these final moments.
“After Spring Break, I start to see the type of senioritis that I am totally cool with,” said Leonard. “I am much happier to see students taking advantage of our outdoor space or just doing really healthy social activities (instead of their work) than I am to see tardies or attendance issues.”
So, finish strong seniors, but don’t miss the chance to make lasting memories with the people who’ve been by your side all along.
