The application screen for the 2025 Higher Education Institutions Exam opened a few days ago. 2025 YKS applications, which started on February 6, will end on March 3.
Compiling important topics and points to consider for candidates, Specialist Psychological Counselor Özgür Akoğlan said, “No significant system change regarding 2025 YKS applications has been announced so far.”
Akoğlan stated that success in YKS can be achieved not only with academic knowledge but also with time management, stress control, and proper planning, adding that candidates feeling good both physically and mentally will positively affect their success.

Üsküdar University Education Institutions and Guidance Services Manager, Specialist Psychological Counselor Özgür Akoğlan, provided important advice on the Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS) application process and exam preparation.
Application process and points to consider
2025 YKS applications will start on February 6 and end on March 3. Specialist Psychological Counselor Özgür Akoğlan stated that no significant system change regarding 2025 YKS applications has been announced so far, adding, “However, ÖSYM can make updates to the exam calendar and application dates every year. Candidates are advised to carefully follow official announcements and check ÖSYM's official website and AİS (Candidate Operations System) to avoid missing application deadlines.”
What are the most common mistakes made during the YKS application process?
Akoğlan pointed out the points candidates should pay attention to during the application process and listed the most common mistakes as follows:
“Entering incorrect or incomplete information: Candidates must accurately and completely enter their T.C. identity numbers, contact information, and school information.
Leaving the application to the last days: It is important to apply early to avoid potential disruptions due to system congestion in the last days.
Not updating the photo: If the photo registered in the ÖSYM system needs to be updated, a new photo should be uploaded from authorized centers.
Incorrectly determining which sessions to attend: The TYT session is mandatory, but those who wish to enter AYT and YDT must mark these separately.
Not paying the application fee on time: If payment is not made after the application is completed, the application will be considered invalid.”
Specialist Psychological Counselor Özgür Akoğlan stated that the application is entirely the student's responsibility, warning, “It is important not to miss the process with the thought that ‘my teachers will handle my application anyway’.”
What are the most effective study methods for YKS?
Specialist Psychological Counselor Özgür Akoğlan, who also suggested study strategies for achieving success in YKS, listed these strategies as follows:
Time management: A weekly study program should be created and repeated at regular intervals.
Attending class prepared: Students attending class after studying beforehand increases learning efficiency.
Active learning techniques: Instead of just listening to explanations, working by solving questions and taking notes increases retention.
Practice exams: Solving practice exams under real exam conditions improves time management.
Utilizing different resources: It is more effective to use different books and online platforms instead of relying on a single resource.
Which methods should be applied for success?
Specialist Psychological Counselor Özgür Akoğlan stated that success in YKS can be achieved not only with academic knowledge but also with time management, stress control, and proper planning, explaining other points candidates should pay attention to as follows:
Keeping motivation high: Setting long-term goals and keeping motivation alive with small rewards is beneficial.
Finding your own study style: Some may learn more efficiently in a quiet environment, others through group study. It is important to find the most suitable method for oneself.
Regular revision: Topics should be reviewed at regular intervals for learned information to be retained permanently.
Paying attention to mental and physical health: Regular sleep, balanced nutrition, and occasional physical activities increase concentration and efficiency.
Practice exams increase exam proficiency and reduce anxiety…
Akoğlan concluded by saying that focusing on practice exams during holidays and intense periods will increase exam proficiency and reduce exam anxiety for candidates. He added, “Candidates feeling good both physically and mentally will positively affect their success.”