Is Senioritis Real?

Last Updated on October 15, 2024 by Jill Schwitzgebel

Is Senioritis real?  Ask any parent of a high school senior this question, especially after winter break, and you’ll have your answer!  But is it a malady that needs a cure?  Like any illness, the answer likely depends on just how serious the case is.  Some seniors do seem to be immune to it, although even the most motivated often succumb toward the end of the school year.  The worst cases often begin as early as spring of junior year!

What Is It?

Dictionary.com defines Senioritis:

Informal: Facetious. a decline in motivation or academic performance that supposedly afflicts some seniors in high school, especially in their last term.

It may be “facetious,” but to many teens and parents, it’s very real (and not always humorous!).

What Are the Symptoms?

Symptoms are wide-ranging, but might include:

• reduced motivation
• increased procrastination
• increased tardiness/absences
• increased anxiety/stress

How the above symptoms manifest in your teen will vary.  In some cases, you may see a drop in their grades.  In others, you might see more irritability.  Some teens will become less social and want to spend more time alone.  Some might become TOO social, neglecting homework completely.  Others will just need you to listen while they complain – whether it’s about their teachers, their classes or their friends.

Another phrase parents often use before their teens leave for college is “soiling the nest.”  For example, “My child is really soiling the nest before they spread their wings and fly the nest for college.”  I personally believe this behavior is very closely related to senioritis.  Take anxiety about the upcoming transition after graduation, throw in some stress about schoolwork and maybe college acceptance, and you’ve got senioritis that causes some real soiling of the nest in many families!

Is There a Treatment?

I have yet to hear of a tried and true treatment for senioritis itself.  I don’t think it can always be prevented.  But, I do think it can help if students and parents are aware ahead of time that it could strike and mentally prepare.  At the same time, I don’t think it’s a good idea to plant the idea that your teen will definitely suffer from it.  Students that have already established strong work habits will probably be able to fall back on that discipline to finish strong academically.  Staying well-organized will help and proactively completing as many senior year tasks as early as possible in the senior year may help too.

I also tell juniors to consider possible senioritis when they are scheduling for their senior year.  Sometimes, really motivated students think that it would be a great idea to schedule six challenging AP classes their senior year.  That may sound okay in January of the junior year, but students may regret that a year later.  So, planning ahead can help.

I think it’s important to differentiate senioritis from other very real, serious mental health challenges like clinical anxiety and depression.  After 17 or 18 years of parenting your child, you likely know when something is truly wrong.  While I think it’s important to maintain a sense of humor and maybe roll your eyes about senioritis, be alert to changes that indicate something more is going on.  A huge drop in grades, truancy, and/or loss of interest in favorite activities or people might serve as a warning that it’s actually time to call in some outside support for your teen.