The 2025-YKS registration process was completed on September 3, 2025, but hope is not yet lost for candidates who could not achieve their dream of attending university! The additional placement process, which will take place between September 25–30, offers a new opportunity.
Guiding candidates on how to prepare their preference lists, Expert Psychological Counselor Özgür Akoğlan advised: “Choose programs suitable for your score and ranking that also have available quotas. List the programs from the one you desire most to the one you desire least. Do not include programs you do not want to enroll in.”
Pointing out common mistakes candidates often make, Akoğlan said: “Avoid re-listing the programs you could not get into during the first placement. Since your score was insufficient, the system will not approve them. Instead, develop new strategies. Do not leave the preference process until the last day and be sure to confirm your preferences in the system after entering them. Preferences that are not confirmed will be considered invalid.”
Özgür Akoğlan, Director of Educational Institutions and Guidance Services at Üsküdar University, evaluated the important points and strategies candidates who could not be placed in any program after the first placement should pay attention to during this process.
2025–YKS additional placement applications begin
According to the results of the 2025-YKS, the additional placement process for higher education programs for the 2025–2026 academic year has begun. Preferences can be made between September 25–30. Emphasizing that additional placement is a major opportunity for candidates who could not be placed in a university or who did not make any preferences during the first round, Akoğlan said: “Taking the right steps in this process can help you secure a spot in your dream program.”
Who can apply for additional placement?
Özgür Akoğlan outlined the candidates eligible to make additional preferences:
- Unplaced candidates: Those who were not placed in any program during the central placement can make additional preferences.
- Those who made no preferences: Candidates who did not submit preferences in the first placement period may also benefit.
- Special talent admissions: Candidates placed in a program through special talent exams may make additional preferences using their central placement scores.
- Placed but not registered: Candidates who were placed in a program but did not register are not eligible for additional placement.
Research quotas and scores!
Akoğlan stressed that candidates must conduct thorough research on quotas and scores during the additional placement process:“Review the quotas carefully; study the additional placement quota list published by YÖK in detail. Check the minimum scores and success rankings from the previous year. In additional placement, you must meet the minimum score requirement of the program you wish to choose. If your score is below the minimum, you cannot select that program.”
Build your preference list strategically
Expert Psychological Counselor Özgür Akoğlan shared the following tips for candidates preparing their preference lists:
- Be realistic: Choose programs that match your score and ranking and that have sufficient quotas.
- Order by preference: Arrange your list starting with the program you want the most and ending with the one you want the least. Do not include programs you do not wish to enroll in.
- Add variety: Include both guaranteed and target programs on your list. Focusing only on high-scoring programs may reduce your chances of placement.
Research universities and departments
Emphasizing that not only departments but also universities and cities are important in the preference process, Özgür Akoğlan explained the key points candidates should consider:
- Academic opportunities: Research the academic facilities of universities, their accreditations, and opportunities such as double majors and Erasmus programs.
- Scholarship opportunities: Review the scholarship options of foundation universities and the conditions for reductions or cancellations. Scholarships can significantly reduce the cost of education.
- City and living conditions: Consider the living conditions, transportation, and accommodation opportunities in the city where the university is located.
Avoid mistakes!
Highlighting common mistakes made by candidates, Akoğlan said: “Avoid re-listing the programs you could not get into during the first placement. Since your score was insufficient, you are unlikely to succeed again. Instead, develop new strategies. Do not leave the preference process until the last day, and make sure to confirm your preferences in the system after entering them. Preferences that are not confirmed will be considered invalid.”
Choose future-proof programs
Akoğlan also emphasized that turning to promising fields will increase candidates’ chances of employment: “Among these are Economics and Administrative Sciences: programs such as business, economics, and finance remain consistently valuable. Engineering Fields: civil, industrial, mechatronics, and computer engineering carry a low risk of unemployment. Health Sciences: nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and health management are always in demand.”
Seek expert support
Encouraging candidates to maintain their motivation and seek guidance, Akoğlan advised: “Get help from university guidance services or preference counselors. Career centers can guide you to make the right choices. Keep your motivation high. Additional placement is a second chance. Do not lose your motivation and make the most of this opportunity. Do not postpone your dreams. With the right choices, you can get into the program you desire. Instead of delaying your dreams, take steps to realize them. By managing the additional placement process correctly, you can increase your chances of enrolling in your chosen program. Remember, moving forward consciously and in a planned way is the key.”