Senioritis is a colloquial term used in the United States and Canada to describe the decreased motivation toward studies displayed by students who are nearing the end of their high school careers. By definition, Senioritis is not due to the direct physiological effects of a general medical condition such as hypothyroidism or insomnia but is typically said to include: slowness, procrastination, apathy regarding school work, a feeling of entitlement or privilege and a tendency toward truancy, malingering or feigning illness in order to avoid presence in a school setting, cognitive impairments, and changes in sleep patterns. Many high school students find themselves in a type of lame duck situation: their plans are made and a new chapter in their life is about to begin, so finishing the current chapter (the current term separating them from graduation) becomes just a formality or "holding pattern." Even though high school seniors tend to be the bulk of the victims, high school juniors and sophomores are also known to have it. Senioritis usually results in a withdrawal from school-related extracurricular activities and school spirit events and a reduced concern for social acceptance, instead focusing on graduation (and the end of compulsory school) in June and/or acceptance to college in September. It can also manifest as increased social and extra-curricular activity, which comes at the expense of academic duties, with the student preferring to "have fun" rather than work academically.
Consequences
In some serious cases, when students let their grades drop, universities may rescind offers of admission. Those who experience senioritis are often shocked when colleges and universities send them a letter the summer before their fall semester starts telling them that they can no longer attend the college due to failure in the academic rigor that they promised in the interview or application process. They seem to forget the actual purpose of attending school. [1]
In College Seniors
Senioritis, though typically perceived as a high school ailment, can also be found in college seniors. The typical causes of this may be burnout, or the obtainment of job offer letters. Having received a job offer letter, concerns about college GPA generally decrease and a sense of apathy in schoolwork can develop.
External links
- The College Board: What to do About Senioritis
- Jostens: Dealing with Senioritis
- Wayne D'Orio. Searching For The Cure To Senioritis. District Administration: The Magazine for K-12 Education Leaders. October, 2002.
- Tate Thompson. [2]. June, 2003.
