YKS Threshold Score Debates: New Opportunities for Students
Sunday, August 1, 2021
The 2021 YKS (Higher Education Institutions Exam) made headlines not only due to the pandemic conditions, but also because of debates around threshold score adjustments. ÖSYM (Student Selection and Placement Center) lowered the threshold scores due to the pandemic: 150 for TYT and 180 for AYT. This change allowed millions of students to get one step closer to their university dreams. In the “Activities and Announcements” section of our website, we explore the details of this decision, its impact on YKS candidates, and how best to prepare. New opportunities are at the door—let’s discover them together.
What Is the Threshold Score Change?
In 2021, due to disruptions in education caused by the pandemic, ÖSYM lowered the YKS threshold scores. Normally 170 for TYT and 200 for AYT, the thresholds were reduced to 150 and 180 respectively. This enabled more students among the approximately 2.6 million YKS candidates to submit university preferences. According to ÖSYM data, over 200,000 students gained additional opportunities, especially those who performed well in AYT subjects like Biology and Physics.
What Does It Mean for Students?
Lower thresholds created a major opportunity, especially for students on the borderline. For example, a student who succeeded in nervous system questions in Biology or optics in Physics during the AYT was able to surpass the threshold and apply to programs like medicine or engineering. However, this change also intensified competition; with more students applying, the race for university quotas became fiercer.
Preparation Strategies
- Practice Exams: Use TYT and AYT mock exams on EBA to secure your score above the threshold.
- Address Weak Topics: Focus on areas like genetics in Biology and electrostatics in Physics.
- Time Management: Take timed practice exams to get used to the long AYT questions.
- Seek Guidance: Work with guidance counselors during the preference period to choose the right programs.
The lowering of the threshold in 2021 served as a lifeline, especially for students whose education was disrupted by the pandemic.
Parents and Teachers
Parents played an active role during the university preference process. In 2021, guidance seminars saw high attendance as families tried to understand the implications of the score changes. Teachers motivated students to exceed the threshold by leveraging EBA. Amid pandemic conditions, teachers’ online support became crucial in guiding students.
Long-Term Effects
Although lowering the threshold in 2021 enabled more students to enter university, there is ongoing discussion about possibly raising the threshold again in the coming years. This would require YKS candidates to prepare more thoroughly, especially in core subjects like Biology and Physics. Science high schools and private tutoring centers continue to support students during this process.
Final Word
The 2021 YKS threshold score change was a beacon of hope for students facing the challenges of the pandemic. Those who focused on subjects like Biology and Physics and passed the threshold came one step closer to their dreams. Students, strengthen your preparation through EBA and practice exams. Parents, support your children during the preference period. Teachers, motivate your students. Share your threshold experiences on our website—we look forward to your comments.
