Rector of Üsküdar University, Prof. Nazife Güngör, highlighted the importance of making the right choice for true success in her weekly column for 12 Punto. Here is Güngör’s article:
The YKS (Higher Education Institutions Exam) results, which university candidates had been eagerly awaiting, have been announced. However, the excitement has not subsided, and it has increased even more. The scores have been obtained, and now it is time to make the right choice. It is a critical and serious moment of decision. The choice to be made will determine the future life journey of young university candidates. It is by no means easy, but it is perhaps the most challenging stage of decision-making in their lives. On one hand, there are the exam scores, and on the other, the dreams, goals, and plans built over the years.
If the scores align with the dreams, nothing could be better. However, if they do not, the situation can be distressing. After all, years of hard work, effort, and hope were invested, and yet the expected result did not come. Therefore, what should be done in this case?
There may be disappointment, but there is no need to despair. Continue moving toward the goal within the existing conditions. There are many universities in Türkiye, and therefore, a great number of departments and programs. With the score achieved, it is always possible to find a place in one of these programs. What matters is that our young friends make their choices wisely and calmly.
For example, if someone aiming for a medical faculty does not have enough points to reach this goal, they can still consider related options in the health field. Faculties of health sciences offer various programs that train professionals for different careers within healthcare. By choosing one of these programs, our youth can still have a profession in the health sector.
Similarly, if a young person wants to become an engineer but their score does not qualify for engineering faculties, they can still enroll in technical associate degree programs, which are closely related to the engineering field. Vocational schools are an excellent choice both for gaining technical skills and for obtaining a profession quickly. By completing a two-year associate degree program, young people can enter the workforce sooner and also have the opportunity to transfer vertically to their desired departments.
Traditionally, everyone dreams of becoming an engineer, doctor, judge, lawyer, etc. However, today’s world is undergoing rapid change and transformation, especially due to new technologies. New professions are emerging, and new needs are arising in business and service sectors. The demand for talented, creative, and entrepreneurial professionals is growing stronger every day. Therefore, our youth must closely follow global developments, analyze them well, and form a healthy and accurate vision for the future. It is crucial that they align their ideals, goals, career, and profession choices accordingly.
It is important that facts and dreams complement each other, but they also need to be distinguished with rational thinking. We live with certain realities, and we also have our dreams. We need to analyze both carefully. When forming our ideals, we must fully understand where facts and dreams intersect or conflict. To gain financial independence, sustain our lives, and find a place in society, we need a job, and this is a huge reality that stands before all of us. Therefore, we cannot ignore this reality during the decision-making process. On the other hand, we also have dreams and ideals we have nurtured since childhood. We cannot overlook these either when making choices. In addition, we have our YKS score, which serves as the starting reference point for shaping our future path. Thus, to make the best choice and the right decision, we must identify the most suitable point within this triangle. This is where reason and common sense must come into play.
There are many universities and countless programs at both associate and undergraduate levels. With the right choice, it is always possible to secure a spot in one of these programs. Therefore, my advice to young candidates is to consult preference counselors during this process. They should not be disheartened if their scores are lower than expected. They should visit university websites, carefully review all departments and programs. However, they should not rely solely on online information. If possible, they should visit the universities in person, meet academics, and gather firsthand information about departments and careers. They should explore the physical conditions, laboratories, libraries, and the unique opportunities, distinctions, and advantages of the programs they are interested in.
When choosing a career or program, our own skills, inclinations, and interests are crucial. Therefore, young people must analyze themselves thoroughly when making career and program choices. They should ask themselves questions and try to answer them in detail. Knowing oneself is vital for making the right choice. Over the years, as someone who has been part of academia, I have often seen students enroll in a program, only to realize during their studies that it is not suitable for them, and they start looking for new options. To avoid this, young people should clearly determine from the start which profession they are inclined toward. This may be one of the most important secrets of success: the right choice, the right decision.
On the other hand, I also have suggestions for students who have achieved high scores. A high score is a success, but to maintain success, the choice must also be correct. For instance, if a student who qualifies for medical school is not really interested in medicine and would not be happy working in a healthcare field, they should not choose medicine just because their score is high. A high score offers a great advantage, and students with high scores have the freedom and opportunity to choose among many programs. However, for them to achieve real success, they must set their goals clearly, analyze their interests and tendencies, and make the right choice accordingly. True success is only possible with work that brings pleasure and happiness. We may have a prestigious profession and earn a lot of money, but if we do not enjoy what we do, we cannot call it true success. The right choice and the right decision are crucial for true success.
I wish all university candidates success.