Merriam Webster defines senioritis as an ebbing of motivation and effort by school seniors as evidenced by tardiness, absences, and lower grades. The Southern Hampshire University website simplifies the meaning of the term by describing it simply as an affliction that explains the lack of motivation felt by seniors as they reach the end of their courses. The article then goes on to point out that although we often hear seniors joke around about having the affliction, senioritis is a real thing students experience.

“At the beginning of the year, I was excited for senior year, but now I’m ready to get out of here,” senior Nina Kramer said. According to Huffington Post, senioritis commonly hits after winter break when most students have finished up college applications and students realize they are already halfway through their senior year. At this point, many seniors are just ready to graduate and leave the world of high school behind. “It hit after Christmas break,” Kramer and senior Alyssa Brockway said. “It hasn’t affected my grades, but it has affected my work ethic. I wait until last minute to do everything,” Brockway said. “It’s hard for me to get out of bed in the mornings to come to school,” Kramer said.

CollegeCountdown.com shares some tips for battling senioritis, which include reminding yourself that grades still matter, stopping yourself from developing bad habits in the first place, setting specific goals, and focusing on college. Staying focused on school work and college and continuing to stimulate and challenge one’s self can help any senior fight senioritis.