As the school year winds down, many Roseville Area High School students face a surprising challenge: the third trimester, often known for bringing on the dreaded spring slump. While it may seem like the end is near, this final stretch is often the most difficult.
Academically, the pressure builds fast. Final exams, big projects, AP testing, and standardized assessments all hit around the same time. Senior Anna Weber said the third Tri is always the hardest because “Seniors juggle graduation requirements and college decisions, while juniors and sophomores feel the pressure to improve their grades before the year ends.”
But it’s not just the workload—burnout is real. By spring, many students are mentally and emotionally exhausted from months of school.
Junior, Kenzie Mackey said, “ Even when I sleep, I wake up tired. And usually I’m running on empty during the third tri”.
“Everyone’s tired, the motivation gone, and all the big tests and projects are piling up. “ said Mackey “ Third Tri is the hardest because of that need for summer”
Motivation drops, focus fades, and the excitement of warmer weather and upcoming summer break only makes it harder to concentrate. This is what’s often called the spring slump—a period where energy is low, and staying engaged in school becomes a real struggle.
Emotionally, it’s a strange time too. Seniors are preparing to say goodbye, friendships are shifting, and everyone is trying to hold on just long enough to make it to the finish line. Mackey expressed “ …it’s definitely going to feel different. I’m going miss them so much and I feel like next year will be so dull without them”.
The third trimester isn’t just about finishing strong—it’s about pushing through exhaustion, managing pressure, and staying focused when it’s easiest to check out. Freshmen Florence Reddan and Lucy Greener agreed that dozing off is more often during the third trimester.
Greener replied, “ With all the late nights studying I am definitely zoning out in 5th hour and sleeping on the way back home”
Recognizing this tough period can help RAHS students get the support and encouragement they need to finish the year with confidence.
