With virtual school being as crazy and intense as it is this year, most high school students are in desperate need for different tips and tricks to make sure they maintain the passing grades they need to graduate. With that being said, the second semester of school can be rough and difficult for most, especially seniors. By this time, most seniors have been diagnosed with something they like to call “senioritis”. Now don’t let it fool you, it is actually a contagious disease that can make your motivation and determination to finish high school with passing grades difficult to accomplish. Lucky for you, by following these three tips, you are sure to finish out senior year strong and with passing grades. a 

Establish a daily routine 

Many studies have shown that more high schoolers tend to perform better when they abide by a routine. It should contain a schedule that involves academic time as well as breaks in between to rest the mind and body. 

• Make sure to check your assignments daily to make sure you are caught up on all of your work for the day. If you’re feeling extra determined, you can even work ahead on assignments that way you won’t have to worry about them for the rest of the week. 
• Set your alarm to wake up the same time you would get up for school in the morning. At Paducah Tilghman, we use the teams video call to communicate with our teachers. In order to stay on it, you need to make sure you attend those daily so you don’t miss the content they put out. 
• All of this sitting around can be unhealthy for your mind and body so make sure to take some time out of your day to be active. 

Set up a virtual learning space 

It is crucial to have a specific place designed for learning. This will improve your ability to focus without those annoying at home distractions as well as keeping you motivated to learn. 

• Make sure to have a hard surface for your computer, writing and reading materials. When you work in a place without a hard surface (like a bed) it’s more distracting and makes it more difficult to handle a computer or notebook.  
• Little to no noise at all 
• Make sure your space is well lit. Preferably natural lighting. 
• Access to outlets because your devices will need charging at some point in time. 

All of your learning materials need to be kept in the same space like you would at school so make sure your learning space is set up where it won’t get in the way. 

Identify and Ease Motivation Challenges 

It is important to celebrate when you make a good grade. Take time out of your day to award yourself with that A+ you made on your math test. Go get yourself some ice cream and have a movie night. By doing this for yourself it makes learning and finishing you assignments so much more rewarding and makes it go by so much faster. 

Make sure to check your progress along the way. Being online makes it hard to establish assignments sometimes and could possibly lead to a missing assignment. The best way to avoid that is by checking your assignments tab on teams and completing it right then and there. Don’t procrastinate because that will destroy your personal motivation and especially grades. 

This note is specifically for seniors who struggle with senioritis: You’ve got this! One more semester and you’re graduated. Make the most out of this crazy year and never forget that when you prioritize your studies and school first, you are guaranteed a successful life.