Senioritis. One simple word that sparks a wave of familiarity to every high school senior. It starts small, a “misplaced” assignment here, a yawn in first period there. But before you know it, senioritis has taken over, transforming once hard-working dedicated students into dull, lifeless creatures just trying to hold on for the remaining months. This frightening epidemic creeps without warning, leaving nothing but chaos behind. College apps abandoned mid-sentence, Chromebooks left uncharged, and the chilling sound of Netflix playing in the background while homework remains untouched in backpacks.
If you think you may be suffering from senioritis, we’ve gathered the most noticeable signs of this highly contagious condition. (Spoiler alert: If you’re reading this instead of doing homework, you’re probably already infected.)
- Have you said the phrase “It doesn’t matter, I already got into college.”
Missed homework? Forgot to study? Running late? None of it matters anymore, you already got into a college so rules don’t apply to you anymore…right?
- Have you worn pajamas to school two or more times a week?
Sweatpants, hoodies, and slides are your ”school uniform.” Bonus points if you’ve rolled out of bed and got in your car to go to school in under five minutes. “Sweatpants, pajamas, and comfy attire,” said senior Irin Hue of her go-to outfits now.
- Have you taken a nap during one or more classes?
Too tired from staying up late doing absolutely nothing? Class seems like the perfect place to catch up on some sleep anyway. Who needs to learn when you can dream?
- Have you been late to school more than 5 times this year?
8:30 AM may be the time school starts for everyone else, but for you, it’s just the time your alarm goes off. Ten snoozes later you’re only a little late…and with Starbucks in hand. Bonus points if it’s a seasonal drink! Who cares about missing homeroom anyway (or 1st period)?
- Have you completely stopped studying for tests?
Who needs preparation when you’ve got luck and coffee? Whether it’s a test, quiz, or presentation, studying is out, and BSing your way through it is in!
- Have you skipped 3 or more classes?
On your 6th “doctor’s appointment” of the month or 12th mysterious “sickness”. Showing up late and leaving early? Who needs to go to math class anyway? Senior ditch day is every day for you.
- Have you been doing literally anything but your work in class?
Scrolling on Tik Tok? Yes. Finishing your worksheet? No. Listening to music and talking to your friends? Absolutely. Reading that chapter? Not a chance. No need to worry about the phone ban, you’ll still have Tetris on your Chromebook.
- Have you not done a single homework assignment since the first semester?
That homework pile has become more of a suggestion than a requirement, hasn’t it? Relying on participation grades or simply luck to pass that class seems like a great idea. According to senior Sol Guerrero, she has not done a homework assignment since “last year for English class.”
- Have you calculated the exact grade you need to pass?
Why aim for an A if you’ve already done the math? As long as you score 62% on the final, you’re golden! Any effort beyond that feels like overachieving.
- Have you only been motivated by countdowns?
Days to prom? Circled on the calendar. Days to graduation? Watching the seconds tick down on Instagram. Days until your next assignment is due? Ignored entirely. June couldn’t come soon enough.
If you are experiencing five or more of these symptoms, congratulations – you may be suffering from a case of senioritis. The good news? It’s not terminal. Unfortunately, the only known cure is graduation, so you’ll just have to wait it out. On the bright side you’ve already made it through almost four years, so what’s five more months?