High school seniors accepted for college need to realize that semester No. 8 also factors in their future.

It’s a standing joke in college sports circles — about the athlete who completes his eligibility before the spring semester of the academic year and then “rides it out” without attending class, enjoying the benefits of scholarship room and board. No need any longer to make the grades, just finish the term luxuriously with fun and games. No degree, so what?

But it appears academic stars, or would-be stars, are guilty of the same kind of behavior, at least at the high school level. They make the good grades, get accepted, then slack off at the end of their senior years, biding their time until they go to college.

The New Orleans Times-Picayune recently made some important points about the scenario and how some colleges are seeking to hold students responsible for their final high school semester.

“During the summer, thousands of the nation’s prospective college freshmen get letters from admissions officials asking them to explain why their grades plummeted during their final semester,” says the Times-Picayune. “An admissions dean at Texas Christian University calls them ‘Fear of God’ letters. Some students are asked to explain in detail why their grades dropped. Others are informed that their ‘admission to TCU is in jeopardy.’ … Colleges can revoke their offers of admission and it’s something that students, their parents and high school counselors need to keep in mind.”

It is well for students to realize they continue to be evaluated and their 11th hour academic behavior may come back to haunt them.

The Times-Picayune concludes its advice with: “Rumor has it that not only was the hare faster than his classmate the tortoise, but that he had higher marks, too. Well, he did after seven semesters (of high school). And with the race in hand at that point he figured there was no way he could go wrong.”

A strong finish always shows pride and determination whether it’s in academic or athletic pursuits. Colleges are right to expect high school seniors to finish one game before moving on to the next on a college campus.