Senioritis

Merriam-Webster defines senioritis as "an ebbing of motivation and effort by school seniors as evidenced by tardiness, absences, and lower grades. In other words, a senior in high school who has run out of energy or feels that they don't need to do anymore work because this is their last year. Senioritis is not just a phenomenon, it is real and it happens every year. I certainly understand the idea that you have been in school for thirteen years or more and now you feel that enough is enough. You have served your time and you are ready to get out and move on with your life.

The problem with that type of thinking is that you can cause other problems down the road that you may not have anticipated. A recent article in the Huffington Post (read here) wants students to know that colleges do look at all four years of high school grades - including your full senior year. A college will request and look at your final grades. They state that "a significant grade dip second semester is a huge red flag - is the student really committed? Can he or she follow through? Maybe this student isn't mature enough after all to handle the demands of a college curriculum."

Colleges can also rescind acceptances. This can be based on your GPA, final semester grades or even social media post. Colleges do have the right to take away their offer if the student does not hold up their academic responsibilities. You also have to consider your financial aid rewards. Some of the financial aid may be merit based, so if you bomb the fourth quarter of your senior year, you may lose your merit scholarships.

This doesn't just apply to students going to college. Many of our students will be going on to the workforce and use their skills that they picked up while at Vantage. I can tell you first hand that the employees WILL call our school and want to talk to Mr. Verhoff, Mrs. Hall, your instructors or myself. They will ask us about attendance, attitude, grades and our thoughts about hiring you. You want to make a good impression all the way to the finish line. This is how we will remember you.

In conclusion, I hope you understand how important it is for you to work hard all the way to graduation. It is only about 61 days away. You have gone so far, don't quit now. Find a way to fire yourself up and then make that final push. You will be glad you did.