Critical warnings for YKS!

As excitement and anxiety increase among candidates two weeks before the YKS, experts emphasize the importance of effectively utilizing the final days. Specialist Psychological Counselor Özgür Akoğlan stated that exam success depends not only on accumulated knowledge but also on the ability to use that knowledge correctly during the exam, offering comprehensive advice to candidates ranging from sleep patterns to nutrition, mock exams to anxiety management. Özgür Akoğlan said, “Feeling anxiety is a human reaction that indicates the value of the exam; instead of suppressing this feeling, it should be accepted as energy that keeps one more vigilant. It should not be forgotten that success is not only the result of knowledge but also the ability to use that knowledge calmly during the exam.”

Özgür Akoğlan, Specialist Psychological Counselor and Manager of Educational Institutions and Guidance Services at Üsküdar University, offered important advice to candidates just days before the Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS), which will be held on June 20-21, 2026. 

New topics can increase anxiety

Özgür Akoğlan noted that the last two weeks leading up to the exam should be a period of reinforcing and balancing existing knowledge, not completing new topics. He said, “At this stage, delving into unlearned subjects can lead to mental confusion and anxiety, so avoiding heavy and new topics is the healthiest strategy.”

Start the exam with the test you are strongest at

Özgür Akoğlan stated that it is important to finalize exam-moment tactics. He said, “The order of solving tests in the exam should be a personal strategy that allows the candidate to use their mental energy most efficiently, and the basic rule when determining this order is always to start the exam with the test one is strongest and fastest at. Although the focus level is high in the first minutes of the exam, the anxiety level is also at its peak; therefore, starting with a subject one is good at and can solve questions quickly both helps gain confidence by finding correct answers consecutively and allows the candidate to get used to the rhythm of the exam more comfortably. Generally, after the first test is completed, in this second phase when the mind is clearest and most energetic, it is logical for the candidate to move on to core subjects that are relatively more challenging or require intensive processing power. Finally, considering the minutes when mental fatigue increases, relatively lighter tests that take less time or that the candidate can solve more easily with their reading comprehension skills should be left.”

Adjust your biological clock according to the exam time

Özgür Akoğlan, drawing attention to the importance of biological rhythm in recent preparations, continued:

“Adjusting your biological clock according to the exam time constitutes one of the most critical preparations for this period. For the mind to perform at its highest at 10:15, when the exam will be held, mock exams and past question practices should be started every morning at this time, and sleep patterns should be disciplined. The habit of studying late into the night should be completely abandoned, and the body should be given the rest time it needs for the brain to process and store information.”

Analyze the reasons for mistakes

Emphasizing that mock exams should no longer be used solely for calculating net scores, Özgür Akoğlan said, “Mock exams and resource reviews should now be used not just for net score calculations but for deepening error analyses. Determining the reason for mistakes—whether it's a lack of knowledge or a lapse in attention—will directly affect performance during the exam. Particularly, focusing on points missed in MEB supplementary resources or past questions ensures precise remediation of deficiencies. During this process, instead of constantly tiring the mind with digital stimuli, a mental care process should be created by taking short walks or simply remaining silent.”

Focus on managing anxiety, not suppressing it

Stating that exam anxiety is a natural emotion, Özgür Akoğlan said, “Feeling anxiety is a human reaction that indicates the value of the exam; instead of suppressing this feeling, it should be accepted as energy that keeps one more vigilant. It should not be forgotten that success is not only the result of knowledge but also the ability to use that knowledge calmly during the exam. Trusting in the efforts made and completing this period with the maturity of a final rehearsal is the healthiest key to the process.”

Avoid radical changes in diet

Özgür Akoğlan also stated that the pre-exam diet should be maintained. He concluded, “Regarding nutrition, during the exam period, one should not switch to untested supplements or unusual eating patterns. Maintaining regular meals that the body is accustomed to, provide balanced energy, and do not strain the digestive system prevents potential stomach or energy issues on exam day. Ample water consumption is the most important physical need that should not be neglected during this process to maintain mental functions and focus.”