It may be cold and flu season, but those are not the only viruses that are spreading like wildfire. Senioritis is on the rise, and students everywhere are catching the motivation killer.

Symptoms of senioritis typically include any forms of laziness such as carelessness, lack of motivation and unwillingness to put much effort into anything.

Yes, it is understandable why it is taking over: college applications are done, some students have already chosen their home for the next four years and graduation seems so close you can almost taste it. I understand senioritis completely because I have diagnosed myself with it.

Even though senioritis is here, that doesn’t mean it has to stay. Believe it or not, the last semester of high school is still very important. Here are a few ways to combat and hopefully get rid of senioritis for good.

Remember that Grades are Still Important

Even if you think you have every little detail of your college career planned out, think again. If grades slip too low, colleges can rescind your admission. While it takes a major change for this to happen, if you blow off everything there’s a possibility that you’ll only get to go to your dream school in your dreams.

Start Good Habits

The habits you have now will continue with you for the rest of your educational career and even for the rest of your life. If you don’t do your work now, you’re not going to do it in college. High school is how you prepare yourself for college. Make sure your study habits are good now because in college it costs a lot more to blow off a test.

Set Goals for Yourself

If you write down certain goals for yourself, it makes them easier to achieve. If you don’t specify exactly what you want to accomplish, then it will be harder to keep track of what you’re getting done.

If you do make a list of goals for the last semester, also make a game plan for each goal. With a game plan it is easier to track your progress and see if your goals are still reasonable.

Try Something New

I know that it’s senior year, but it’s never too late to try a new activity. Always wanted to play ultimate frisbee? Take up swing dancing? Or learn to write in calligraphy? Start right now. This new activity, whatever it may be, will help keep you busy when college is the only thing on your mind.

Have Fun

Toward the end of high school, school events aren’t just school events. These events become some of the last things you’ll do as a high schooler. The last basketball game, the last trivia night, the last prom. Make these last few moments count.