Every year, without fail, thousands of seniors fall victim to a hidden epidemic. An enemy you can’t see coming and one many can’t prevent. High school in itself, comes with many things; more homework, more stress, and higher expectations only being the tip of the iceberg. To add to that problem, a recent study shows that 78 percent of all high school seniors have experienced senioritis nationally.

According to Oxford, senioritis is a supposed affliction of students in their final year of high school or college, characterized by a decline in motivation or performance. Those affected experience a lack of motivation, extreme boredom, decline in focus, apathy and confusion. Since teenagers are generally stressed, sleep deprived, overloaded and asked to wake up early, it makes sense that senioritis has such an effect on those about to graduate.

But why does seniority happen?

Over the years, many have claimed to experience senioritis in their last semester of high school. However, not many know why this happens. From stress to perfectionism, boredom and fear, there are many causes to senioritis. There are even more consequences. These affect college students greatly. When you stop caring about your grades, that can significantly lower them. Colleges won’t take senioritis as an explanation and have been known to revoke admission if final-semester grades drop too much. Adding to the pressure that causes senioritis in the first place. Colleges want students who display consistency. They’re willing to give you wiggle room, but if you slack off in multiple classes, and your grades slip, they’ll hesitate to admit you. Even going as far as questioning whether or not you’re capable of handling college-level work. It can also damage your reputation with those around you.

A big question that comes with senioritis is the cure. Is there a way to beat the enemy or are you stuck with this feeling of apathy for the rest of your educational career. Maintaining a consistent level of high performance for extended period of time, without a break, isn’t realistic and at some point you’re bound to break, but by acknowledging the problem, relaxing, persisting and trying to enjoy your senior year, there are ways to move forward.