Seniors are on the final months of high school. They have worked so hard for many years to maintain a good academic standing. They spent long hours being involved in activities and volunteer work. With graduation nearing, seems alright for students to take a break. Maybe not!
Senioritis is the decrease in motivation that affects many students in their final quarter of high school. College decisions are made, Advanced Placement exams are over, and now it is time for a break. Lack of studying, completing assignments or missing school become acquired habits during the last few weeks. The amazing planner used throughout the year is no longer available. Taking books to class, not an option. Lots of changes begin occurring until graduation.
What is the impact of such a change?
Graduation. For students who endanger themselves, walking the stage at graduation may become concerning and no longer an option. Each course impacts graduation requirements and credits for high school completion. If you decide not to take an AP exam after being in the course, your high school may have a policy of changing the course to an honors level. Review the state assessments to make sure you have completed all the necessary ones to earn your diploma. Remember, it not only impacts you, the student, but the entire family coming to celebrate your moment!
College admissions. Read the admissions letter again for the college you selected to attend. The letter you were so excited to receive that all you could focus on was “Congratulations on your admissions to…” Read it carefully. Colleges express their expectations of having students complete their academics with the same commitment they have been showing since entering high school. You will also begin to receive notification that the final transcript must be sent by the high school counselor.
Students forget that colleges require the final transcript to be sent showing completion of coursework, final grades and date of graduation. Once the final transcript is received, the admissions office staff will review the consistency of academic commitment and performance the student has maintained. Has the student kept the grades to the level of expectations?
Certainly, coursework can be demanding and a grade of A may drop to a C level. If this happens, the college may ask you to write a letter of explanation regarding the drop. However, If the grade drops into a D or F range, then the college has a right to request an interview with the student to assess the cause of the drop.
What to do if the college questions your grades? Be honest, but explain how motivation will be different in college. Share what you did to keep your grades strong given the difficulties faced. Did you go for extra help? Was there a peer tutoring support? Address strategies that you may pursue to help you academically in college such as going to the academic support center or study groups. Once in college, be honest and act upon what you said to the admissions staff. Just don’t talk the talk as your academic progress in college will be monitored.
End the school year on a high note. Keep motivated and complete all the assignments and assessments. Enjoy the last few weeks and be proud of all your accomplishments. Celebrate the completion of one journey and the new adventures that await you on your next one.