The second semester has begun, and it is time to get used to a new schedule. It is common for seniors to begin “slacking off,” because they believe that grades do not matter after being accepted into their university of choice.

The way college bound seniors handle their last year of high school has impact on the following year. Motivation and academic performance may change, and frequently, seniors decide to take the year off, meaning they do less homework or take easier classes.

            It is called senioritis. It’s an “illness” seniors have when they decide they are fed up with the work in high school, after working hard for three years to be accepted into a university.

             According to the College Board, seniors should broaden their skills and strengthen their experience. Seniors that slack off may fall into an “academic slump” that they won’t easily escape in college.

            The effect senioritis has on the future is questionable. Your motivation may increase after taking a break. Seniors that graduate early may have increased motivation if they put that time into participating in activities, playing sports, or doing volunteer work.

Graduated senior Katie Flarety said, “Right now it feels like is just another Spring Break. I don’t have to wake up at 6:00am or stay up late finishing homework, but college is just around the corner. Right now, it’s just time for me to work for money to pay for college.”  

            Senior Brennan Deswarte, who decided to shorten his schedule for the second semester, said, “I’m getting used to having a short schedule as it is sometimes hard to transport without a car right now.”

             Motivated seniors are encouraged to take AP classes to extend their performance. Preparing for the future during senior year is the right decision to make.