As the YKS approaches and excitement mounts among students and families, last-week strategies that will directly impact exam performance are of great importance.
Stating that solving a practice test every morning in the days leading up to the exam would be very beneficial, Guidance Expert Sevgi Toprakyaran said, “Practice tests started at the same time as the actual exam, i.e., at 10:15, will prepare you for the real exam atmosphere.”
Toprakyaran, who also explained what to do in case of distraction during the exam, said, “Closing your eyes for a few seconds, taking deep breaths, and even changing your sitting position can help you regain your concentration. Taking short breaks rests your mind and strengthens your focus. If you panic during the exam, putting down your pen and focusing on deep breaths is the most effective method.”
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Education Institutions and Guidance Services Assistant Manager Sevgi Toprakyaran offered critical advice to students in the days leading up to the Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS).
Instead of working at an intense pace, focus on mistakes made in practice exams
Sevgi Toprakyaran stated that instead of working at an intense pace this week, it would be more beneficial to focus on the mistakes made in practice exams, saying, “Instead of trying to learn new subjects, it is sufficient to briefly review the topics that were challenging in the past. One should avoid tiring the mind and strive to remain mentally alert and motivated.”
Take practice exams starting at the same time as the actual exam
Sevgi Toprakyaran stated that solving a practice test every morning in the days leading up to the exam would be very beneficial, adding, “Especially practice tests started at the same time as the actual exam, i.e., at 10:15, will prepare you for the real exam atmosphere. Brief evaluations made after the practice test help you recognize your mistakes and address your shortcomings.”
Solve past questions from the last 5 years
Sevgi Toprakyaran pointed out that reviewing past questions is very important, especially to understand ÖSYM’s question style, and said, “However, instead of trying to solve questions from all years, focusing on the last five years is sufficient. Being selective helps in using time efficiently. I also recommend solving MSÜ and LGS questions; these questions also contribute to developing similar reasoning skills.”
Go to bed at the same time every day
Reminding that sleep patterns form the basis of mental performance, Sevgi Toprakyaran said, “Therefore, during exam week, going to bed and waking up at the same time every day should become a habit. To be refreshed on exam morning, one should avoid staying awake until late hours, screen time should be limited, the room must be ventilated, and a light breakfast should be preferred.”
Critical tips for anxiety management
Sevgi Toprakyaran also drew attention to exam anxiety, stating, “Anxiety is a natural emotion to experience during 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. Additionally, developing positive thoughts like ‘I am ready, I did my best’ helps to calm down by reducing the effect of negative self-talk.”
The photo on the ID must be current!
Sevgi Toprakyaran stated that exam documents should be prepared by Friday morning at the latest to prevent possible problems during the exam, saying, “Especially, having a current photo on your ID prevents problems that may arise at the exam entrance. You should keep your ID and exam entrance document in a fixed, easily accessible place. Leaving preparations until the last day can lead to forgetfulness or unnecessary panic. Preparing early significantly reduces pre-exam stress.”
Clarify your exam strategy before the YKS day
Emphasizing that clarifying the exam strategy beforehand is vitally important, Sevgi Toprakyaran gave the following important advice:
“It is very important to clarify your exam strategy before the YKS day. You should decide in advance which test to start with, after how many questions you will take a break, and how much time you plan to allocate for each test. Acting according to this strategy will make you more controlled and efficient during the exam. A general glance at the booklet can often lead to unnecessary time loss. Therefore, it is better to start solving questions directly according to your own plan.
Making a time plan for each test in advance is one of the most important steps for effective time management during the exam. However, instead of constantly checking the clock during the exam, it is healthier to use the internal timing habits you have developed beforehand. Determining a solution order suitable for your own pace and sticking to this plan helps you maintain your concentration and use your time efficiently.”
What to do during the exam?
Education Expert Sevgi Toprakyaran, who also explained what to do in case of distraction during the exam, concluded her words by saying, “Closing your eyes for a few seconds, taking deep breaths, and even changing your sitting position can help you regain your concentration. Taking short breaks rests your mind and strengthens your focus. If you panic during the exam, putting down your pen and focusing on deep breaths is the most effective method. Just a few seconds of calming down helps you complete the rest of the exam more healthily and controllably.”