As the school year winds down and the reality of college life gets closer, “senioritis” is hitting the Class of 2026 harder than ever. The urge to skip class or claim a “sick day” is at an all-time high, but this year, there is a major incentive to stay in the game.
To help seniors stay on track, a new finals exemption policy has been put in place. To skip finals, seniors must have:
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9 or fewer total absences.
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Grades of all A’s and B’s.
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A clean disciplinary record (no behavior logs or write-ups).
Identifying the Symptoms
Senior year starts with a sprint—college applications, scholarship deadlines, and hunting down teacher recommendations. But once those acceptance letters arrive, many students experience a massive drop-off in motivation. Common symptoms include:
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Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning.
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Increased procrastination and “brain fog.”
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A sudden urge to rush through the day just to get it over with.
“Senioritis hit hard as soon as the second semester started,” says senior McKaylah Sites. “Since I was already accepted into college, I wanted to just give up. But hanging out with my friends and seeing how they were doing really pushed me to do my best.”
The Risks of Slacking Off
Falling into the senioritis trap is more than just a lack of sleep; it has real-world consequences. A drop in effort leads to lower grades, which can result in:
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Loss of Eligibility: You may be barred from playing sports or participating in senior activities.
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College Concerns: Many colleges require a final transcript. If your GPA slips significantly, your admission could actually be at risk.
Survival Strategies
While there’s no “cure” for senioritis, there are ways to manage it. After years of balancing sports, homework, and social lives, your body is likely exhausted. Prioritizing sleep—even a 20-minute power nap after school—can help you recharge for the evening’s work.
Another strategy is to lean into the social side of high school. Since you won’t see most of your classmates after graduation, getting involved in school events can reduce stress and make the final months more memorable. For McKaylah, making “endless memories” with friends has been the best way to stay positive.
Meanwhile, senior Jalyn Walker keeps it simple: “I keep doing all my work and count down the days until the last day of school.”
The Final Push
The days might feel long, and the temptation to coast is real, but the Class of 2026 is almost at the finish line. By staying focused for just a few more months, you’ll ensure that when you finally walk across that stage to grab your diploma, you’ve earned it on your own terms.
