Preventing Senioritis

With the new year behind us and February already upon us, the school year is beginning to pass the halfway point. Although there are still a few months left in the academic year, some seniors may have already fallen into the senior slump. “Senioritis,” as it is often called, is the belief that a student can coast through the last year of high school with an easy course load, receiving decent but not excellent grades, until receiving their diploma in May. As tempting as Senioritis can be, this attitude can affect students’ future choices when it comes to college.

Many schools and universities want to see senior grades and course work that reflects a high level of achievement throughout all four years of high school. Sometimes when colleges accept students admission may be contingent on the student’s continued performance at a particular level. Technically, this sometimes means the school can deny admission if the student’s grade drop significantly during senior year. And often when students receive notice of acceptance from the college of their choice, the temptation to fall into the senior slump can get even worse.

There are ways to avoid, or help minimize your child’s temptation to coast through senior year. Here are a few tips and suggestions for keeping students on track as they finish up their high school career.

A proper course load is important. Although sometimes there are fewer requirements senior year, you should encourage your student to take classes that put them on track for college. AP courses, which can give students credit at many schools, are a great choice senior year, or even earlier.

It’s important for students to find ways to stay focused on their schoolwork. Career-focused jobs, after school activities and internships are excellent ways to bring in new stimulus while still giving attention to the course work they are studying.

Students have to do their best to stay engaged with the materials, even while doing other important things like college applications or securing after-school work. Parents should pay attention to their child’s academic success during senior year, and recognize when their child is slacking off too much. Often times a tutor can help bring a fresh perspective to a subject that has become dry for students. It’s important not to let poor study skills or a lack of interest in certain subjects become a bad habit, as student’s actions now will lay the foundation for their college experience.

Another option that may be successful for those with a particular interest in a subject is early college courses. High school students can often take a class at a local community college, further stimulating his or her interest and keeping him or her ahead of the curve. Certain community colleges even have special arrangements where students can spend their last year or two years taking classes at both the high school and college level. This exposure to college courses helps ease the transition from high school.

No matter what, stress to your child the importance of hard work and dedication to academics regardless of the time of year. Remind them that senior year is not the end of their school career, but more often just the beginning of a long and fruitful road.

Source: Burtnett, Frank. “The Bridge to College, Avoiding the Dreaded Senior Slump” ednow.org.