The Last Mile: Avoid Senioritis Like the Plague Posted on:Thursday, March 27th, 2014

You’ve worked hard for nearly four years. Your college application is in, SATs are over, and acceptance letters are on their way. You think, “Now I can finally take it easy…”

And that is exactly how senioritis begins!

As you know, senioritis is a disease that infects high school seniors and fools them into thinking that hard work is no longer necessary. But what you may not know are the brutal consequences of catching senioritis! Read this next line carefully: even after applying and being accepted, colleges can take back their admission offer, put you on academic probation, or change your financial aid package! DO NOT LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOU. Instead, maintain those healthy habits that got you accepted into college in the first place.

Here are a few tips on how to avoid SENIORITIS:

• Stay motivated – A key way to avoid a slacker mentality is to stay motivated on your path to college. Make a list of goals that you want to achieve by the end of the week, before you graduate, or even in the summer before you start college. For example, what GPA would you like to achieve by the end of the school year?

• Stay organized – What are goals without a plan of action? Once you have a list of goals, take it even further by breaking them down into attainable steps and scheduling them accordingly. How will you achieve your goal GPA? How much time should you spend preparing for the upcoming Physics test or when will you begin writing that English essay? Schedule it!

• Keep friends in check – Despite your own healthy habits, senioritis is especially contagious among friends! The best way to deal is to influence each other in a positive way. Encourage your friends to set some short-term goals themselves to get through senior year. Friends will hold you accountable for your actions and together help you steer clear of the plague that is senioritis!

• Be present – Yes, I do mean to be present and actually show up to class. But most of all, don’t forget to simply stay in the moment. While it’s great to look forward to your future in college, it’s important that you enjoy life as a high school senior and finish strong! Put your all into your final project or your last volunteer hours as a high school student. Be a bit sentimental about this time and make every moment count!

There is no doubt you have worked hard as a high school student and you should absolutely revel in your future as a college student. The end of your senior year is an excellent opportunity to manage academics and other commitments because it will prepare you for college. Just remember to mind these tips, enjoy life, and finish strong!

The end of high school is upon us and your future awaits! Stay tuned for What You Must Know About Acceptance Letters.

Until then, let us know how you’re avoiding senioritis and what keeps you motivated!