If you panic during the exam, focus on deep breathing!
With only a few days remaining until the YKS, excitement among students and families is increasing, and last‑week strategies that directly affect exam performance are of great importance.
Guidance Specialist Sevgi Toprakyaran recommended solving one practice exam every morning as the exam approaches, stating: “It will be very useful to take practice exams especially at the same time as the actual exam, that is at 10:15, because they will prepare you for the real exam atmosphere.”
Turkish K‑12 Guidance Assistant Manager Sevgi Toprakyaran explained what to do if concentration falters during the exam: “Closing your eyes for a few seconds, taking deep breaths, or changing your seating posture can help you regain concentration. Taking short breaks gives your mind rest and strengthens focus. If you panic during the exam, putting down your pen and focusing on deep breathing is the most effective method.”
Assistant Manager of Educational Institutions and Guidance Services at Üsküdar University, Sevgi Toprakyaran, shared critical recommendations with students just days before the Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS).
Focus on mistakes rather than intense study
Instead of working at a high tempo this week, Toprakyaran suggested focusing on errors made in practice exams: “Rather than trying to learn new subjects, it is enough to briefly review topics that were challenging. One must avoid mental fatigue and strive to remain mentally fit and motivated.”
Take practice exams at the same time as the real exam
Toprakyaran reiterated the benefit of solving one practice exam every morning at the same time as the YKS, saying: “Taking a practice exam at 10:15 will prepare you for the real atmosphere. Short reviews afterward help you notice mistakes and work on your weaknesses.”
Solve questions from the last five years
Toprakyaran noted the value of reviewing past questions to become familiar with the format used by ÖSYM: “It is quite important to look at past questions. However, rather than trying to solve questions from all years, focusing on the last five years is sufficient. Being selective will help you use your time efficiently. I also recommend solving questions from MSÜ and LGS, as they develop similar reasoning skills.”
Go to bed at the same time every day
Toprakyaran reminded that sleep habits form the foundation of mental performance:
“Therefore, during exam week you should establish a habit of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. To be refreshed on exam morning, avoid staying awake late, limit screen time, ensure the room is ventilated, and prefer a light breakfast.”
Critical tips for anxiety management
Addressing exam anxiety, Toprakyaran stated: “Anxiety is a natural emotion in this process and can be controlled with the right methods. Techniques such as deep breathing exercises, short walks, listening to music and meditation relax the mind and body. Also, developing positive thoughts such as ‘I am ready, I have done my best’ reduces the effect of negative self‑talk and aids calmness.”
Make sure your ID photo is current
To prevent possible issues during the exam, Toprakyaran advised preparing documents by Friday morning at the latest: “In particular having an up‑to‑date photo on your identity card prevents problems at the exam entrance. You should keep your identity card and exam entrance document in a fixed location where you can always reach them. Leaving preparation until the last day may lead to forgetfulness or unnecessary panic. Preparing early greatly reduces pre‑exam stress.”
Define your exam strategy before the YKS day
Toprakyaran emphasized the vital importance of finalizing your exam plan beforehand:
“It is very important to define your exam strategy before YKS day. You should determine which test you will start with, after how many questions you will take a break, and how much time you will allocate to each test. Acting in line with this strategy will make you more controlled and productive during the exam. Taking a quick glance at the booklet often causes unnecessary time loss. For this reason it is better to start solving questions directly according to your plan. Planning time for each test in advance is one of the most important steps to use time effectively. However, instead of looking at the clock continuously during the exam, using the internal timing habits you have developed is healthier. Determining a solution order that suits your own pace and adhering to that plan helps preserve your focus and use time efficiently.”
What to do during the exam
Again, Toprakyaran advised: “If concentration is lost during the exam, closing your eyes for a few seconds, taking deep breaths, or changing your seating posture can help you regain focus. Taking short breaks refreshes the mind and strengthens focus. If you panic during the exam, putting down your pen and focusing on deep breathing is the most effective method. Even a few seconds of calm can help you proceed through the rest of the exam in a healthier and more controlled way.”
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)