The HGM is the only highly-gifted magnet program at an LAUSD high school. It is often touted for its rigorous classes and known for the numerous students that are accepted into prestigious universities each year. 

However, it is commonly known that towards the end of their senior year, many students experience something called “senioritis”, where they fall behind on work and start paying less attention. However with the HGM being lauded for its difficulty and strict teachers, it is interesting to see if and how senioritis affects these students. 

From interviewing multiple HGM seniors it is clear that the impact of senioritis for everyone is different. For example, Zach Guiley remarks, “I have been less motivated to do work and my sleep schedule has gotten worse.” Deven Mittal claims, “The main senioritis I have is not finding enjoyment and being so bored at school and losing motivation to learn and I find myself using my time reading, drawing or playing games”. Even one of the most punctual students I know, Nathan Kang says “I try to turn in stuff on time whenever I can, but I am definitely not as quick with deadlines as I was in junior or sophomore year”.

Some HGM teachers aren’t particularly happy with the effects of senioritis. AP English Literature teacher Mrs. Gullo is often seen frustrated with students who either turn in assignments late or don’t turn them in at all. 

Now why is this happening? For most, it’s the fact that my grades don’t really matter anymore, meaning they don’t have to be worried about a perfect GPA and getting an A on every test and assignment. Others are likely burned out from all of the stress that the last 3.5 years of high school have put on them and finally have a chance to breathe/relax. 

There are positive things that have come from this seeming lack of motivation to do work. For example, Guiley said that “It’s helped me shift my priorities instead of thinking about school and grades. I’ve been more focused on my hobbies and social life which feels more fulfilling.” Deven also mentioned how there is also a seeming decrease of homework load, leading to most of his classes being “pretty laid back”. Students shared that they focused less on schoolwork and had more free time. This has allowed them to spend more time on hobbies, their job, or general extracurriculars outside of school. 

Overall, while it feels like everyone in the HGM is experiencing some amount of senioritis, whether that’s procrastinating on assignments or running poker games in class, it has allowed students to feel less stressed and spend more time doing what they love most.