YKS (Higher Education Institutions Exam) Preference Period is Approaching: "The Right Preference Shapes Your Future"

Days before the results of the Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS) are announced, an exciting and stressful process has begun for thousands of candidates and their families. The preference period, which is the last step of university admission, is not only an educational decision; it is also a turning point that plays a critical role in shaping the career journey, lifestyles and dreams of young people. Managing this process in a conscious and healthy way is of great importance in terms of preventing the regrets that students may experience in the future. Specialist Psychologist Berfin Özcan from Istanbul Gelişim University also made important warnings to guide the candidates and their families during this sensitive period.

“Beware of unofficial information”

Emphasizing that the first and most important step of the preference period is the detailed examination of the preference guide to be published by ÖSYM (Student Selection and Placement Center), Expert Psychologist Berfin Özcan stated that candidates should make informed decisions in order to manage the process correctly.
“The preference guideline contains critical information for preference, such as quotas, success rankings, special conditions, and additional scores. Ignoring all can lead to false and regrettable choices.”

Özcan pointed out that some content circulating on social media platforms and student forums may be misleading and stated that candidates should approach such sources cautiously. Stating that acting with incorrect or incomplete information during this period may adversely affect the future of the candidates, Özcan underlined the habit of verifying information.
“Comments on such platforms are based on personal experiences and may not apply to everyone. Get information from verified sources such as ÖSYM's official website and candidate student pages of universities."

“Participate in fairs, meet with academics”

Stating that university promotional fairs are one of the most efficient tools of the preference period, Özcan stated that the information obtained by the candidates in such events contributes significantly to the decision-making processes:
“It is very valuable for candidates to have the opportunity to talk directly with academicians about the departments they are interested in. In this way, they can get to know both the profession and the educational environment closely."

Stating that a university should be evaluated not only with its departments or scores, but also with the social opportunities it offers, its academic staff and the employment rates of its graduates, Özcan said that face-to-face interviews will give a healthier idea on these issues. Özcan called on prospective students and parents to consider the preference period as an active research process.

"You can benefit from the ‘Your Coach is IGU’ Program during the Preference Period"

Stating that it may be risky to make choices only according to the exam score, Specialist Psychologist Berfin Özcan emphasized that students should listen to their own inner voices and interests:
“Choosing popular or highly rated sections does not guarantee success. On the contrary, the risk of being unhappy and unsuccessful in an area that is not of interest to the student increases. Therefore, the candidates should definitely ask themselves the question of:''Can I envision a long-term life in this field?"

At this point, Özcan, who drew attention to the "Your Coach is IGU" program offered by Istanbul Gelisim University, said that getting to know themselves with scientific methods in this process would facilitate their preferences:
“The right choice is based on how well one knows oneself, not just on a score. The ‘Your Coach is IGU’ program reveals the inner tendencies and strengths of students with personality and professional harmony tests. Not only does it offer study field to candidates, it also helps them realize who they are. 'Your Coach is IGU' is much more than a guide to choice; it is a journey of transformation that allows young people to discover the route of life. Therefore, it is very valuable to benefit from such guidance programs during the preference period.”

Özcan stated that students should focus not only on their dreams but also on their realistic goals.
“Choices made only according to success rankings can often lead to loss of motivation and difficulty in education. The fact that the candidates evaluate the departments below, above and equivalent to the success ranking enables them to carry out the process in a flexible and healthy way."

“Dealing with stress is also part of the process”

Stating that in addition to academic success, psychological resilience is also important in this process, Özcan stated that the preference period may put serious pressure on students.
“Anxiety, pressure and uncertainty can negatively affect both the psychological and physical health of the student. Daily routines such as regular sleep, healthy eating and exercise are very important. Feel free to get psychological support if necessary. ”

Stating that candidates tend to constantly compare themselves, Özcan reminded that each individual's learning style and life goals are different. Therefore, it would be healthier to focus on individual needs and characteristics rather than making decisions based on others' preferences.

“Families should be supportive, not directive”

Stating that it is a great source of strength for families to be with their children during the preference process, Özcan pointed out that this support should be provided in an understanding and patient way, not as a guide.
“Parents should make their children feel that they are with them, but they should not reflect their own dreams and expectations to their children. A patient, understanding and supportive approach increases the self-confidence of the student.”

Özcan also stated that many students give up their own wishes while trying to meet the expectations of their families, and that this may result in unhappiness in the long term. She also emphasized that the most important task for families is to listen to their children and support their individual decisions.

"The decision is in your hands, and so is your destiny."

Underlining that the preference period has a great impact on the future of young people, Istanbul Gelisim University Specialist Psychologist Berfin Ozcan said that this process should be considered not only as a choice but also as a process of personal awareness.
“Every step in this process has a direct impact on your future. Act with a conscious, inquiring and confident approach. Remember, the right choice shapes not only today, but also your tomorrow.”

Reminding that there is definitely an area where every student can be connected to their potential and passionately, Özcan encouraged young people to draw their own paths.