<p>My son has developed a severe case of "Senioritis." One factor is that he is unstimulated with his classes this year- even though he is taking 3 AP classes. Another reason is that he's more than ready mentally to graduate and start new in a new place/new school/new environment. How do I motivate him to stay on task and to continue to try his best? This also would mean prompting him to get his college applications done in a timely manner as well.</p>
<p>you can’t. The more you tell him, the worse it gets. At least that was the case with me.</p>
<p>In my son’s case - he knew it was going to happen, so his last semester of senior year was light on the heavy, heavy academics. I think that was a good thing to do.</p>
<p>Would an overnight at a potential school help motivate him by letting him see what he has to look forward to?</p>
<p>Can you make plans for a gap year if he doesn’t follow through and do what needs to be done? That way, there’s no nagging there’s just a choice on his part?</p>
<p>What about sitting down with a calendar and listing what has to get done and by when? My daughter had a goal last year of finishing college apps by Thanksgiving. That meant it wasn’t hanging over her during semester finals or the holidays. </p>
<p>Try and get him to prioritize the apps. If there’s one that doesn’t get done because he runs out of motivation, let it be the one that’s not necessary. If possible, trim his list so that he doesn’t feel there are any extras.</p>
<p>Has he applied to a rolling decision school? Sometimes having that first acceptance in hand helps.</p>
<p>Is he someone who does better when he’s busy? If so, what about a job, research opportunity, volunteer gig, etc.?</p>
<p>A couple of reasons to keep his grades up senior year, in the spirit of always keeping one’s options open:</p>
<p>1) If he is waitlisted at a school he really wants to go to. He will want to update them with good grades, not bad, senioritis-y ones.<br>
2) He hates the college he is at and decides to transfer after the first year. I have no experience with this, but I would think that finishing strong in high school can’t hurt.</p>
<p>Thank you for your suggestions. Part of the problem is that my son is a procrastinator by nature which is opposite from me, thus creating tension. He also feels that he, alone, should be concerned about his schoolwork and getting his applications done I commend him for wanting to take charge of this process and his schoolwork but I get anxious knowing that deadlines are looming. Also, he does not appreciate unsolicited advice, at least from his parents. The good news is that although our high school is very big (450 kids in the Senior Class), my son appears to have a good relationship with the Guidance Counselor and seems to be able to seek out help from him.</p>
<p>Been there, done that. Definitely back off and let the GC do their thing. My son got one app in by the midnight California time deadline, aargh… It is HIS job, not yours, to do the applications et al. </p>
<p>Perhaps having a discussion with him where you state how you are worried about his getting things done in time and keeping his grades up. Then add how it is hard for you to let go and let him do it but you will try. For his part- could he please keep you informed of how he is doing and getting things done. Let the conversation be one where you let him know you realize he is an emerging adult and it should be his job but the parent in you needs reassurance that he is doing the job. </p>
<p>It is hard to let go. But- he needs to own the process. Backing off may allow him to forge ahead.</p>