The Council of Higher Education (YÖK) decided to conduct an additional placement in the 2021 YKS preference process, in addition to central and additional placements. In this additional placement, the threshold score will be applied as 140 for TYT, and 170 for AYT and YDT. Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, who evaluated the lowering of the 2021 YKS threshold scores in a TV program he attended, stated that this situation is an important opportunity for candidates. Tarhan also offered advice to candidates making preferences, recommending, 'Candidates should definitely not choose fields they do not like or are not interested in.'
'Definitely do not choose a field you do not like or are not interested in!'
Founding Rector of Üsküdar Üniversitesi, Psychiatrist Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, made an evaluation regarding YÖK's lowering of the 2021 YKS threshold scores.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that university candidates can benefit from this decision during the third placement period, adding that this will offer an important opportunity to candidates.
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan said, 'Students who could not pass the threshold were re-entering the exam. This increased the number of students taking the exam. On the other hand, lowering the threshold score in the additional placement will prevent this. In this respect, it is an advantage for students.'
They can determine their areas of interest with the Career Test
Pointing out the importance of career choice for university candidates, Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan advised candidates to take the Career Test. Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan noted that the career test, accessible from the Üsküdar Üniversitesi website, has 6 aptitude areas, and stated, 'In the test, we have questions related to numerical, verbal, academic, and aesthetic fields. The person taking the test can assess their own inclination towards certain areas and their abilities. This test allows individuals to get to know themselves. The results are also immediate. The Career Test helps candidates identify their strengths and weaknesses when making choices.'
Fields of no interest should definitely not be chosen
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan emphasized the importance of choosing fields that will make one happy, instead of acting according to the wishes of parents or friends when making a career choice. He advised, 'They need to think long-term about 'Why do I want this department? Is it for society, family, or myself? Should I just study for 4 years? Or should I choose a field where I will be both happy and successful for life?' Candidates should definitely not choose fields they do not like or are not interested in.'
Generation Z needs guidance
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan noted that Generation Z is hasty and impatient due to the era they were born into, stating, 'Therefore, it is possible for them to make mistakes very quickly. Generation Z needs the guidance of their elders. We try to make them think in the medium and long term. For academic success, it is necessary to think not short-term, but medium and long-term. It is important for them to set not only concrete goals like 'I want a house, I want a car' but also abstract goals. We value them aiming to be good people, beneficial to their families, society, and country.'
Parents should offer options to their children
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan drew attention to the erroneous attitudes of parents in career choice, saying, 'Parents want to project their ideals onto young people. Parents should offer options for a young person who turns 18. If they are authoritarian, negative consequences can occur. A child who enters a department under parental insistence may want to quit university while studying. They drop out of their education because they don't like it. Parents should express their opinions along with their reasons. Decisions cannot be made with 100%; they are made with 51%.'
They should definitely consult preference experts
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan also recommended visiting universities and seeing them firsthand during the preference period, stating, 'It is very important to consult preference counselors and get their opinions when making choices. They should definitely ask and consult. The probability of trial and error decreases. They should make their choices according to success rankings. Making the right choice is a skilled job, and young people should certainly get help from those who know. They should meet with preference experts, preference counselors...'
Academic staff and opportunities offered to students are important
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that one should definitely look at the academic staff of the university to be preferred and the opportunities it offers to students, saying, 'Those who are outside the city should look at virtual university tours. Universities that provide online education are successful and agile. It is important for a university to be R&D-focused. Universities have important pillars: education, vocational training, fostering a project culture, and public awareness activities. Does the university contribute to the commercialization of knowledge? Having a technology transfer office is important.'
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan also drew attention to the qualities young people should possess in the global competition we are in, saying, 'Young people need to be innovative and entrepreneurial. They should be young people who value 21st-century skills.'