Senioritis

Senioritis is the colloquial name for the decreased motivation toward studies felt by students who are nearing the end of their high school, college, graduate school careers, or the end of a school year in general. It is mostly said to occur in senior-level students. Senioritis is not a recognized medical condition, but a colloquial term (in the United States and Canada) that combines the word senior with the suffix -itis, which technically denotes inflammation but refers to a general illness in colloquial speech.

For the musical, see Senioritis (musical).
Senioritis
SymptomsDepression, apathy towards study
Risk factorsDepression, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, preexisting mental disorders

Consequences

In serious cases where students allow their grades to drop significantly, universities may rescind offers of admission.[1] Nonetheless, most colleges rarely rescind admission offers, and even the most elite schools only revoke them from a very small number of students.[2] Neglect toward schoolwork in high school may result in general inadequate preparedness for the rigors of more advanced education. If marked neglect is apparent, students may also be unprepared to pursue opportunities to obtain scholarships.

The time gap between college and university admissions, which are usually decided by March or April, and final exams, which usually are not until early May (e.g. Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes), is a challenge to seniors who may be feeling unmotivated toward their schooling.

Strategies to avoid senioritis

There are several strategies by which an individual with senioritis can mitigate its impact. For example, setting goals, including both short and long term, could motivate the student to remain on track to achieve their academic pursuits.[3] Another strategy is taking breaks during mentally exhausting tasks, which could potentially alleviate some sensations of stress, and decrease educational burnout.[3] One could also reward their accomplishments, no matter the size. This one can provide a sense of pride and help the person acknowledge what they have done.[3] Lastly, an individual could avoid remaining in the same spot for too long.[3]

Proposed solutions

James Coleman, writer and Chairman of the President's Panel of Youth, urged changes in the high school curriculum to address the problem of senioritis. These concerns gave rise to the implementation of a "Senior Semester" in many high schools throughout the country, which allowed seniors to spend time outside the school or attend seminars in their specific interests.[4]

The College Board, the National Youth Leadership Council, and other youth-serving organizations suggest that there are many ways schools can help young people make the most of their senior year instead of succumbing to the temptation to take it easy once graduation is assured. Giving young people opportunities to make their academic work more meaningful through service-learning, or other forms of experiential education, can increase students' academic aspirations.[5]

See also

References
  1. Schevitz, Tanya (October 10, 2006). "Colleges crack down on taking freshmen with 'senioritis'". The San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2008-06-09.
  2. Mathews, Jay (February 4, 2008). "In Praise of Senioritis". The Washington Post. Retrieved 2008-06-06.
  3. nair, madhu (2020-08-05). "What Is Senioritis? Need-To-Know Causes And Cures". University of the People. Retrieved 2022-12-15.
  4. Marks, Julia (12 April 2020). "Head-To-Head: Should We Implement Senior Month?". The Parker Weekly. Chicago, Illinois. Retrieved 13 November 2022.
  5. Martin et al. "The Impact of Service-Learning on the Transitions to Adulthood", Growing to Greatness 2006 St. Paul: NYLC, page 19. Archived December 18, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
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