When senioritis sets in

Editor's note: Fleischer is a Herald student columnist at Kennedy High School, which has students from Bellmore and Merrick.

Senioritis is a word heard often in the halls of Kennedy High at this time of year. Miriam-Webster Dictionary defines senioritis as the "ebbing of motivation and effort by school seniors as evidenced by tardiness, absences and lower grades."

Now, as second-semester seniors, we may think that it's time loosen up and become more relaxed about schoolwork. Although this may be acceptable in some cases, it is just as important at this time, if not more, to continue to work diligently. Many colleges still have not sent out their admissions decision letters to prospective students. The majority of colleges require seniors' grades, especially mid-year ones, as they continue their high school evaluations. Colleges look unfavorably upon students who slack off and drastically decline in school performance. Some colleges even rescind their acceptances if they see students' grades have dropped off considerably in senior year.

So it's important for seniors to remain consistent in -- and possibly even improve -- their academic performance. This is especially crucial for students who have been wait-listed by colleges. Senior-year grades may determine whether the colleges accept them in their freshman classes. Beside just grade point averages for their college profiles, seniors are still required to take year-end exams, including finals, Regents and Advanced Placement tests. In order to pass, you'll want to study.

Senioritis may seem justified at times; however, students must keep in mind that their high school performance is important to the very end. You should take pride in having reached the halfway mark of senior year at the same time that you keep up your grades.