For many students, the second half of senior year is seen as a welcome change from the first three and a half years of high school. They've applied to college, and admissions decisions have come back. This is often the beginning of a downhill slide in terms of grades and class performance. "Senioritis" may be inevitable to an extent, but it can have very real consequences. If colleges see that the student has not shown the level of academic promise that they previously exhibited, then they may rescind their acceptance. Even if this does not happen, however, students may not be adequately prepared for the academic rigor of college. Below are some tips to help you battle senioritis.
- Stay organized. Keep up with your homework and assignments. A planner or even a mobile organization app is a very good idea. Note all exam dates and set aside blocks of time specifically for studying. Don't forget to pencil in social time as well.
- Keep your eyes on the prize.Remember all the hard work you put in over the last twelve years or so? It will all be wasted if you don't work hard until the end.
- Find a new activity. College is a very busy time, and this may be the last bit of free time you will have for a while. Now is the time to become a better you. Volunteer, read that book you’ve got sitting on your shelf, or take a fun class. You will have more things to talk about with your future college classmates.
- Think about that college credit. If you do well enough on your AP tests, many colleges will give you credit for those classes. Students can often come in having completed many of their required classes. This gives you time to start your major earlier than many others, and you can even end up graduating early!