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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
You may have already come across the term “senioritis” while in high school, and perhaps you’ve dealt with a bout of it already as you prepared for your high school graduation. Now you’re an upperclassman in college and you’re facing the challenges associated with senioritis again.
But exactly what is senioritis? Explore this guide to one of the most common issues to affect college students. You’ll learn how to recognize, prevent and overcome getting burnt out so that you can enjoy a more productive and healthier senior year in college.
Senioritis isn’t a clinical term, but rather a colloquial one that is used to describe the decreased motivation that seniors can experience as they approach the end of their studies. Many students may be feeling burnt out which is a natural response.
Not every student will experience this, and those who do won’t necessarily be affected to a significant degree. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you truly can be in control of your own motivation and health. If you find yourself in a funk, it’s definitely possible to break out of it.
Senioritis can look a little different from one student to the next. Some students may experience only mild symptoms, while others might feel severely affected. Ask yourself the following questions to determine whether you might have senioritis:
The symptoms of senioritis — feeling burnt out, personality changes and lack of motivation — can lead to serious consequences. Unfortunately, senioritis can lead to tanking grades, frayed family relationships and job-related consequences, such as the withdrawal from work opportunities.
If you’re still in high school, you should know that senioritis among high school students can also lead to serious consequences. For instance, colleges sometimes rescind enrollment offers to students whose grades significantly decline during their senior year. Likewise, high schoolers afflicted with senioritis might have their scholarships rescinded.
It’s often thought that senioritis is simply an indicator of laziness, but this is a rather a negative stereotype. Instead, consider the possible causes for your senioritis, such as the following:
Of course, not every student is nervous about the prospect of starting their professional career and becoming a full-fledged adult. Some may simply be shifting their priorities. For instance, you may be eager to join the workforce and impatient to be done with your classes, and so schoolwork may no longer seem as important as it once did.
Identifying the reason for your feelings is the first step toward improving your mindset. Reflect upon the common causes of senioritis and decide which best apply to your situation. Then, consider how you can address your concerns and move forward.
Now that you know the answer to the question, “What is senioritis?” and the likely cause(s) of your own symptoms, it’s time to take a closer look at the senioritis cure. You may need to try a few different things to find what works best for you.
Here are a few ways to improve your motivation:
An internship can also be hugely beneficial for college seniors, for more than one reason. Not only can an internship give your resume and professional network a boost, but it can also help you stay motivated in your coursework because it will remind you of what you’re working toward.
Lastly, you might want to consider mental health counseling. A qualified counselor can help you explore your concerns and help improve your confidence. Counselors are experts at helping their clients turn negative patterns into positive, healthy ones.
Sometimes, students might self-diagnose themselves with senioritis when they have a more serious mental health condition. The lack of motivation to get out of bed and go to class, for example, may sometimes be indicative of a depressive disorder, particularly if it represents a significant personality shift.
On the other end of the spectrum, some students may look perfectly fine to the casual observer. They may show up to class on time and turn in their assignments. Yet on the inside, they are struggling with feelings of isolation, hopelessness and other symptoms.
If either of these scenarios describes you, it’s worth taking the time to speak with a doctor. Your first stop doesn’t have to be a psychologist at a mental health clinic. Instead, you can talk with your primary care provider or a healthcare provider at your campus health and wellness clinic.
There is no need to feel nervous about talking to a medical practitioner about your mental health. You’ll likely spend a few minutes talking about what you’re going through and then you’ll be asked to fill out a questionnaire that assesses the severity and duration of your symptoms. Then, the doctor may provide a diagnosis or may refer you to a specialist for further evaluation.
Know that you have the right to choose whether to get treatment in the form of medications and/or talk therapy; It’s up to you. But if you feel as though there is something going on with your mental wellness, it’s time to take the first step by talking with a doctor.
When you become a student at Grand Canyon University, you’ll enjoy the feeling of complete support from our caring staff, instructors and fellow students. We believe wholeheartedly in delivering high quality of life for our students, and we’re proud to offer exceptional student support services including our Health and Wellness Clinic, Chapel services, engaging campus events and club activities.
Approved by the vice president of Student Affairs on Dec. 5, 2022.
