Limit your phone notifications, see different question styles!

Less than 2 months remain until the YKS, which will be held on June 17-18, 2023. Experts say that as the exam date approaches and spring shows its effects, candidates' motivation may decrease. Üsküdar Üniversitesi Preference and Career Counselor Spec. Psychological Counselor Ece Tözeniş emphasized the importance of evaluating the remaining time more efficiently, warning candidates to focus on what they can do, not what they cannot. Tözeniş, who used the expressions 'If you complain about yourself, you will be unhappy,' noted that limiting phone notifications and candidates seeing different question styles are also important.

Don't let this beautiful weather burn you out while preparing for YKS…

While improving weather lifts spirits and awakens fresh, lively emotions, this situation can sometimes pose a threat for young people taking the exam. The feeling of anxiety can also increase during this period for young people who want to enjoy the beautiful weather instead of studying. Üsküdar Üniversitesi Preference and Career Counselor Spec. Psychological Counselor Ece Tözeniş states that exam anxiety has 3 symptoms: mental, physical, and emotional. 

Young People Can Exhibit Avoidance and Evasion Behaviors

Tözeniş, stating that anxiety increases during this period, said: “Anxiety can lead to thoughts such as starting to study late, the worry of 'I won't be able to finish' due to ineffective time management, and 'what if I don't pass the exam, it doesn't work no matter how much I study.' These thoughts also bring emotional symptoms such as tension, panic, helplessness, and excitement. In this intense anxiety, we observe behaviors of flight (stopping studying) or avoidance (procrastination).” 

Limit Your Phone Notifications, See Different Question Styles 

Tözeniş added that when experienced at a moderate level, anxiety is a motivating factor; she offered the following suggestions for candidates to spend the remaining time efficiently:  

•    Your phones, which constantly receive notifications throughout the day, prevent focus. By turning off notifications, you can limit your phone usage over time. This way, you can use your time more efficiently. 

•    In this period where topics are completed, you can review past subjects. If you still have knowledge gaps, you can progress by completing them. 

•    Practice exams are excellent opportunities for you to measure yourself, complete your deficiencies, and control your exam excitement. In practice exams, which are a rehearsal for the real exam, you can also develop the habit of controlling your anxiety during the exam. By thoroughly analyzing the questions after practice tests, you can quickly complete your deficiencies based on your mistakes. 

•    You can start solving past years' questions. By going back according to your time plan and solving questions from previous years, you will see more question styles. This will increase your speed and comprehension capacity in the exam. 

Learn to Rest Instead of Giving Up the Race 

Tözeniş also offered suggestions to candidates on how to manage moments of fatigue: “The key point here is to learn to rest instead of giving up the race when you are tired. Don't forget to give yourself long breaks. The way to work efficiently also involves healthy sleep and a healthy body. Therefore, pay attention to your sleep and eating habits during this period. Short walks, getting fresh air, and spending time with friends will do you good.”

Focus on What You Can Do, Not What You Cannot

Psychological Counselor Ece Tözeniş concluded her words as follows: “On your university journey, you are now approaching taking the first step. Take a deep breath and focus on what you can do from now on, not what you couldn't do. Whenever you complain about yourself, you will be unhappy. To avoid complaining, draw your own path without letting others tell you what to do or not to do.”