Is the February Break an Opportunity or a Risk for YKS Candidates? Assessment by IGU Expert Psychological Counselor Elif Ünal

For students preparing for the YKS, the February break is seen as an important threshold that can shape the course of the preparation process, rather than just a short break. Stating that this period can offer significant academic and psychological gains if managed correctly, Istanbul Gelisim University Expert Psychological Counselor Elif Ünal warns that unconscious use of the break may also lead to a loss of motivation.

“The February Break Is a Stop Where Students Can Observe Themselves”

Elif Ünal notes that by February, students are faced with an intense pace, an increasing number of mock exams, and exam anxiety, emphasizing that this process often makes unnoticed problems more visible. Highlighting the critical psychological function of the break, Ünal states:

“This period offers an important opportunity for students to pause and evaluate themselves. Learning gaps, mental fatigue, and attention difficulties can be recognized more clearly during the February break.”

Advantage or Disadvantage? The Answer Lies in Planning

Ünal emphasizes that it is difficult to make a definite distinction as to whether the February break is an advantage or a disadvantage, noting that the determining factor is the student’s approach:
“Spending the break completely disconnected from studying can cause adaptation problems. On the other hand, turning the break into an intense and pressuring program can lead to burnout. The healthiest approach is to move forward with a controlled and realistic plan.”

“Awareness Should Come Before Score Improvement”

Pointing out that this period offers an important opportunity to identify shortcomings, Ünal stresses that the focus should be on quality rather than quantity:
“For a student, understanding why and where mistakes are made is more valuable than an immediate increase in scores. This awareness reduces exam anxiety while strengthening self-confidence.”
Ünal also underlines that mock exam results should be viewed not with a judgmental perspective but as a constructive evaluation tool, noting that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process.

Sleep, Routine, and Realistic Goals Are the Keys to Success

Ünal states that disruption of sleep patterns during the break significantly reduces attention and learning capacity, adding that maintaining biological rhythms makes returning to the school routine easier.

She also notes that setting unrealistic goals creates pressure on students and offers the following assessment:

“Small, clear, and measurable goals strengthen a student’s sense of control. This, in turn, supports self-confidence and motivation.”

Psychological Resilience Is Not Only for the YKS

Emphasizing that the February break offers important gains not only academically but also in terms of emotional resilience, Ünal states that the self-awareness and time management skills gained during this period form a strong foundation for university life as well.

Psychological Support for Students from Istanbul Gelisim University

Istanbul Gelisim University stands out with its approach that values students’ psychological development as much as their academic success. With its expert psychological counseling staff and student-oriented support services, IGU continues to contribute to young people experiencing a healthy, conscious, and sustainable preparation process during the exam period.
Istanbul Gelisim University Expert Psychological Counselor Elif Ünal concludes that a well-planned February break can be not just a pause, but a powerful turning point for YKS candidates.