Success in YKS will be determined by strategy, not just hard work!

Expert Psychological Counselor Özgür Akoğlan stated that weeks before the Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS), candidates have entered the most critical period, and said that this period should be seen as a “passing lane”. Özgür Akoğlan, emphasizing that progressing with correct strategies rather than just working hard will bring success, made important warnings guiding candidates on topics such as subject selection, practice test analysis, time management, and mental preparation.  

Expert Psychological Counselor Özgür Akoğlan, Manager of Educational Institutions and Guidance Services at Üsküdar University, made critical warnings to candidates weeks before the Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS) to be held on June 20-21, 2026. 

“We are currently exactly in the 'passing lane'. This period is a phase where strategic workers, not just those who work hard, overtake those ahead one by one,” said Özgür Akoğlan, sharing striking recommendations for the productive evaluation of the last two months.

Trying to finish every subject is a waste of time

Özgür Akoğlan stated that one of the most common mistakes candidates make is trying to complete all subjects thoroughly, and said, “From now on, you cannot study every subject with the same depth. Take the question distribution tables of the last 5 years in front of you. Identify the 'guaranteed' subjects that ÖSYM asks every year without exception and allocate 80% of your energy to this 20%. Instead of getting bogged down in unnecessary details, conquer the strongholds that bring the most points.

Practice tests provide data, not just results

Özgür Akoğlan stated that practice tests should not be seen merely as a performance metric, and said, “A practice test is not a success meter for you, but a deficiency detection device. When the test is over, collect the questions you answered incorrectly in a file. Every weekend, re-solve only the questions in this 'mistakes file'. If you answer a question incorrectly a second time, that topic is your 'passing' obstacle; immediately perform a 30-minute operation on that point.”

Speed is crucial in TYT, knowledge in AYT

Özgür Akoğlan stated that strategies applied during the exam also play a critical role in success, and said, “The 'touring technique' in the exam saves lives. In the first round, only answer questions you are sure of and can solve quickly. Every question you stubbornly stick to prevents you from seeing the easy questions behind it. There is no time to waste in the passing lane; don't get stuck on a difficult question, pass it and move on, if you have time, you can come back. AYT is not an endurance test, but a depth test. Every day, be sure to create a concept map for one subject. Especially in subjects like Literature, History, or Biology, create a list of 'confused concepts'. Remember; in TYT, speed, and in AYT, clear knowledge will put you in the lead,” he stated.

Perform mental simulation

“Every morning at 10:15, when you sit at your desk, don't just solve questions, imagine the exam moment. Practice managing ambient noise, marking the optical form, and your excitement at that moment,” said Akoğlan, adding, “When the exam moment arrives, you should be able to say, ‘I've watched this movie countless times before.’” 

Your own performance matters, not social media

Özgür Akoğlan also pointed out the necessity of staying away from distractions during the exam process, and said, “A vehicle in the passing lane only looks ahead to avoid distraction. Close your ears to the 'doomsayers' or 'score calculation' discussions on social media. Your only competitor is yesterday's net score. It's time to hit the gas; if you stay in this lane, you will reach that goal in June,” he concluded.