If you go on Instagram, TikTok (or any social media for that matter), it’s highly likely you’ve heard of a phenomenon known as sophomore slump. This has likely led you to wonder, what is sophomore slump, and is it a legitimate excuse or just placebo?

Sophomore slump is a term used in multiple contexts, but in this case I’m referring to it in the context of the burnout that many second year students feel in both high school and college alike. This burnout can take many forms including dropping grades, lack of motivation, and especially stress. It’s named the name sophomore slump from teens on social media referring to it as such, and often complaining about the things that come along with it. 

There are a number of reasons attributed to this phenomenon. More challenging classes, more responsibilities, and a lack of balance between school, work, and personal life can be the main causes. The main psychological cause behind sophomore slump is the success many students find in freshman year wearing down in a way as they face the challenges that come with advancing through the years of high school.

There are a number of ways to manage the hardships that come with sophomore year. My biggest recommendation is to find a balance between your life in school and your life outside of school. Don’t waste your time over-studying, but at the same time make sure you keep enough motivation and time left for your academic responsibilities. This is much easier said than done and will take time to master, but the most important thing is to remember to enjoy the present and to worry a little less.