As the countdown towards the end of the school year begins, one class is always particularly eager to head into summer: the seniors. By the time college decisions are released and seniors have made their commitments, there tends to be a recurring habit. In what many students and teachers refer to as “Senioritis,” seniors start to feel more relaxed during their second semester and focus a less on academics. Classes become less of a priority as they want to have fun and maximize time with friends before graduation.
Senior Marleigh Durie, ’26, feels that Senioritis isn’t a disease. Rather, it’s a change in priorities, reflecting the realization that the clock is ticking on the high school experience: “Now that college decisions are out, there has definitely been a shift of how motivated I am,” says Durie. “I still try to do all my work while also prioritizing making the most of my last couple of weeks at Prep!”
Many seniors have already made their decisions on where they will be heading to college next year, making academics a lower priority. They don’t need to worry sending in their transcripts or grades, juggling school and college applications, or even the nervous period of waiting for decisions to come out. Also, Senioritis seems to be an embedded part of the senior experience simply because of the way classes are structured.
“I started feeling unmotivated once I narrowed down my options of where I wanted to go,” adds Durie, “and it especially affected by non-AP classes because the grades don’t matter as much anymore and I can’t get college credit from them.”
Alex Ichikawa ‘26, a senior who made his choice on college well before national college decision day, feels that activities outside of school begin to take priority, especially when looking at the bigger picture.
“It’s hard to stay motivated when other things seem so much more important,” says Ichikawa. “Spending time with friends and family definitely takes priority.”
Seniors are not the only people who are feeling some of the effects. Teachers of their classes, especially non-AP’s, often notice the difference in engagement, concentration, and motivation within the class environment.
Ms. Matthews is part of the science department at Prep and teaches a Senior Capstone class. Though she notices the effects of Senioritis from time to time, she tries to be understanding: “On occasions I will have to remind my class to focus and motivate them to keep pushing through” says Ms. Matthews. “Although, I have been teaching for a long time and understand the excitement of counting the days until graduation, so I try to give them some grace for that.”
It’s a team effort between the teacher and the seniors to make a final push towards the end of the year. It highlights what Prep is truly about: teachers want the best for their students, and students put in their best effort—while being sure to balance it with senior year fun. Senioritis goes beyond just a “lazy” attitude, but an indication that the seniors have made it and their time at Prep starts to wane. Rather than signaling the end of their time at Prep, senioritis truly reflects how close they are to stepping into their new future.
