‘Are We There Yet?’ Tips for Coping with Senioritis

One of the most exciting milestones students in high school and college face is graduation day. All the hard work has led to this moment, but for some seniors, the anticipation can lead to decreased motivation, lack of effort, and burnout, commonly known as senioritis.

In this article, Dr. Tammy Lowery Zacchilli, professor of psychology at Saint Leo University, explores the signs of senioritis and offers ways that high school and college seniors can cope, along with helpful tips for family and friends. 

Signs of senioritis

Skipping class or other campus events. Once the mid-spring semester hits, it sometimes seems like sleeping in or hiding away in your room is more desirable than going to class or attending extracurricular events. This can become a slippery slope that can do more harm than good.

Procrastination. Procrastination can take on different forms, such as submitting assignments that are late, incomplete, or not your best work. This can occur if students experience a lack of motivation toward schoolwork.

Fear about the future. Some students can’t wait for the next chapter to begin, but many students experience fears about the future. This is completely natural, but focusing too much on fear could distract students from completing their goals successfully.

Fatigue. Completing college or graduate school applications can be overwhelming and time-consuming. It’s natural to feel fatigue during this process, but students should not let it cause them to lose sight of the end goal.

Tips for seniors

Celebrate the small wins. Every step forward is progress, whether it’s finishing an assignment, submitting an application, or attending a networking event. Recognizing these moments can boost motivation and keep students moving forward.

Avoid saying “I’ll do it later.” Recognize the signs of procrastination and push through the tendency to delay tasks. Tackling assignments right away can help students feel better and more accomplished.

Stay engaged in activities you enjoy. With only a few weeks left until graduation, students should not miss out on fun activities happening at their school or university. These moments create lasting memories.

Get excited about the future. Focus on the opportunities ahead rather than worrying about uncertainties. Whether it’s college, graduate school, a new job, or personal goals, setting small steps toward the future can make the next chapter feel inspiring instead of intimidating.

Tips for family and friends

Acknowledge and validate their feelings. Senior year can be stressful and emotional. Let your senior know that it is normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or even excited about the future.

Be supportive but not pushy. Encourage your senior to stay on track with schoolwork, applications, and deadlines, but avoid nagging. Gentle guidance is more effective than pressure.

Celebrate wins. Recognize milestones, no matter how big or small. Celebrating achievements can motivate seniors to continue working hard.

Be aware of mental health signs. Watch for persistent sadness, loss of interest in usual activities, changes in sleep or appetite, irritability, or withdrawal from friends and family. If these signs appear, encourage seeking support from a school counselor, therapist, or trusted healthcare provider. Early intervention can make a significant difference.

Graduating from high school or college is an amazing achievement, and senioritis is only temporary. The future is bright.

Dr. Tammy Lowery Zacchilli is a professor of psychology at Saint Leo University. She is the southeastern regional vice president of Psi Chi and associate editor of the Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research. Zacchilli earned her bachelor’s degree from Kennesaw State University, her master’s degree from Augusta State University, and her Ph.D. from Texas Tech University.