With most college applications finally in and SATs and ACTs now officially done with, four long years of gruesome tests, piles of homework, difficult AP classes, and dreadful hours of studying are all finally coming to an end. And the closer seniors get to their taste of freedom and college life, the harder it seems to maintain the disciplined work ethic they have so diligently practiced these past three and a half years of high school. This sudden decrease of motivation toward studies may be just one of the many symptoms of the epidemic seniors are suffering with: senioritis.

While senioritis comes in many forms and affects seniors in a variety of ways, the most common symptoms include changing schedules, and higher absences than usual.

Four year colleges such as the Universities of California and privates expect seniors to continue taking challenging classes throughout their last year. But for seniors, it seems that having to continue taking such rigorous classes is useless and unnecessary labor. Many seniors have chosen the easier route by taking less advanced classes. Many seniors are also taking only 4 to 5 periods their last year. This sudden shift from their difficult classes to simpler and easier ones, is what Ms. Ann Keitel, Venice High’s college counselor, believes can be a dangerous move in their last year of high school.

“Seniors change their schedules to make it easier for them without notifying colleges. This gives competitive colleges every reason to drop them. It could cost them their admissions,” said Ms. Keitel

Absences continue to be one of the biggest symptoms of senioritis. It’s their final year of high school and yet for many, it seems that the closer they get to leaving it, the harder it is to stay. Although this was not the case for first semester, seniors are required to sign a contract that allows only 10 absences for the rest of second semester to be eligible to graduate, making persistent attendance difficult for some seniors.

“It’s just so hard. The moment I get off the school bus and see the school, I just want to go back home,” said Rebecca Seo, just one of the many seniors affected by what seems to be a serious condition.

Senioritis is everywhere, affecting just about everyone: the underachievers, the already slackers, the average, and even the overachievers. Jeffrey Hornoff, a senior with an accumulative G.P.A of 4.5 and a potential valedictorian for this year’s graduating class, has also been experiencing this meltdown.

“I definitely don’t get work done as quickly as I did before and when I do, it’s all crappy work. I used to try really hard, but now all I do is procrastinate.”

So what exactly is the cause of this sudden lack of motivation?

“It’s the thought that we’re so close to finally getting out of here,” said Seo. “Most of us have worked so hard these past three years and we’re all just burned out. High school just seems really pointless now. I’m so over it.”

It seems this lack of motivation can also be contagious as many claim that having friends slack off around them gives them the urge to slack off too as well as leave school with their friends and peers who have fewer periods.

While there are seniors who have not yet been affected by senioritis, there have been a few who have gotten D’s and Fails and ruined their chances of attending a four year college.

“Suddenly, all your dreams are in jeopardy. All I have to say is, finish strongly seniors,” said Ms. Keitel