Fight the urge to slack off or rage quit so you can finish senior year strong.

You made it. The applications are done, the acceptance letters are trickling in and every fiber of your being wants to coast until graduation day. That urge has a name — senioritis — and while it’s completely normal, letting it take the wheel can cost you more than you think.

Getting accepted isn’t the finish line. Colleges receive your final transcript before you enroll and they actually do rescind offers. A noticeable nosedive from your junior year performance is often enough to trigger a second look. The same goes for employers who’ve made you an offer contingent on graduation. They’re checking your diploma date and transcript, too.

A major lapse in academic performance or behavior — especially integrity violations such as cheating or plagiarism — can cost you everything you’ve been working toward.

So how do you stay motivated as graduation draws near? A couple of intentional moves can make all the difference.

Set micro-goals. Instead of “survive the semester,” aim for “finish this week’s assignments by Thursday.”

Remember what made you excited about your path in the first place. Lean into the classes or activities that motivate you, even if motivation dips elsewhere.

Bank your energy for what matters. You don’t have to give 100% to every assignment. Identify which classes and projects actually affect your final grade or graduation requirements, and put your best effort there first.

Enlist an “accountability partner”. A friend, sibling, or study group — to work alongside you can make it easier to show up on the hardest days. Misery loves company. So does motivation.

Keep doing the fun stuff. Combating senioritis doesn’t mean canceling joy. Reward yourself with great memories like prom, trips and lazy Saturdays with friends. Future you will be grateful.