Let’s Talk, Senioritis

        If you are reading this and you’re not currently a senior, or have previously been a senior, you may not be familiar with the term: Senioritis. The Urban Dictionary defines it as the following:

“Senioritis: (noun) A crippling disease that strikes high school seniors. Symptoms include: laziness, an over-excessive wearing of old athletic shirts, sweatpants, athletic shorts, and sweatshirts. Also features a lack of studying and a generally dismissive attitude. The only known cure is a phenomenon known as Graduation.”

I am currently writing this with 97 days until Graduation, yes I have a countdown, and I’m wearing the same oversized sweatshirt I’ve been wearing for the last week. The Problem? Senioritis.

        Let me break it down. When applying for a British University, each student is required to send their predicted IB grades, those of which are based on achieved results in the previous year, and the work completed in the first few months of school. Once these predictions are sent, mine of which were sent at the end of October, the only grades that matter are the results achieved in the final exams and internal assessments. Therefore, sorry PowerSchool, each little quiz and homework grade becomes almost insignificant in the big picture. Resulting in: Senioritis.

        It’s easy to believe that this myth exists only in the lazy and unmotivated, but let me tell you, this is not the case. Senioritis affects every senior at one point in the senior year. Imagine this: Each day someone asks you what you are planning on doing with your future, but you don’t know. Or, someone asks you where are going for university, but you are still waiting for your top university to respond. How is it not difficult to fall into the trap of laziness?

        Not only does Senioritis affect seniors applying to the UK, but it has a greater impact on those attending as US University. You see, in the UK most of the time you are given a conditional offer, you will only be formally admitted once you achieve a given offer, however, in the US, once your in your in. While a UK Student might still be taking notes, despite the occasional failed quiz, a US student can be seen at the back of the class completing a Buzzfeed Food Quiz.

        The solution? I can currently report that no solution has been found. However, due to the threat of the looming exams, I’m sure I will be back studying to meet those overambitious offers. And to all seniors out there reading this, don’t forget, only 97 days until you can sleep a full 8 hours again.

By Azzurra Moores