New Question Formats in YKS: What Awaits Students?
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
Hello dear YKS candidates, parents, and education enthusiasts,
2022 has been an exciting yet intriguing year for the Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS). This year, ÖSYM introduced new-generation question formats, especially in the Field Proficiency Test (AYT) for subjects such as biology, physics, and mathematics. These questions, which are more analytical, interpretation-based, and connected to real-life scenarios, have completely reshaped students’ study habits and exam strategies. In the “Activities and Announcements” section of our website, we dive into these new formats and what they mean for you. Ready to explore the new face of YKS?
What Are the New Question Formats?
In the 2022 YKS, ÖSYM emphasized so-called “new-generation” question formats. Unlike the previous years’ knowledge-based, rote-memory questions, these aim to assess students’ analysis, synthesis, and critical thinking skills. For instance, in AYT Biology, questions on the nervous system or genetics included experimental scenarios, asking students to interpret the results. In Physics, topics like electrostatics or optics featured real-life contexts—such as a car’s movement or the reflection in a mirror. In Math, multi-step questions testing problem-solving skills became more common.
This shift is part of ÖSYM’s effort to make the education system more skills-based. In 2022, about 2.6 million students took the YKS, and these new formats required them to move beyond traditional question types. According to ÖSYM’s official statements, the goal of these questions is to assess not only what students know but how they apply what they know.
What Awaits Students?
The new question formats impact students’ study methods in several ways:
- Need for Analytical Thinking: Memorizing formulas is no longer enough. For example, a physics question on motion might be embedded in a story and require combining multiple concepts.
- Connection to Real Life: In Biology, questions about real-world scenarios—such as the effects of a drug on the nervous system—are common. Students must connect theory with practice.
- Time Management: These questions often involve longer texts and multi-step solutions, making time management critical. Many students in the 2022 YKS reported struggling under time pressure.
- Importance of Practice Exams: Getting used to these new formats requires solving ÖSYM-style mock exams. EBA and private education platforms offer practice tests filled with such questions.
To adapt, students need to update their study methods. For example, instead of memorizing terms in Biology, they should focus on understanding experimental design. In Physics, they should reinforce formulas with applied problems.
How Should You Prepare?
To adapt to the new question formats in YKS preparation, consider these tips:
- Practice Mock Exams: Solve mock exams similar to ÖSYM’s new-generation questions. EBA’s AYT mock exams are especially helpful.
- Study by Topic: Deep-dive into specific topics like the nervous system in Biology or optics in Physics, and aim to solve at least 20 new-generation questions per topic.
- Group Study: Discussing and solving questions with peers enhances analytical thinking skills.
- Timed Practices: Take mock exams under actual exam time constraints to improve time management.
Teachers and guidance counselors also play a key role. In 2022, many educational institutions organized workshops and seminars focused on new-generation questions. Parents can support their children by staying in touch with guidance counselors as they adjust to this new format.
A Message to Students and Parents
Dear YKS candidates, don’t be intimidated by these new question formats. Yes, the questions are more complex and require deeper thinking—but they also offer you a chance to showcase your true potential. Every new question is an opportunity to take one step further. Parents, help maintain your children’s motivation throughout this process. Remind them that applying knowledge isn’t just important for the exam—but for life as well.
Final Word
The new question formats in the 2022 YKS have made education more dynamic and skill-focused. ÖSYM’s changes show a desire to see you not just succeed in the exam room but also become well-equipped individuals in life. Whether interpreting an experiment in Biology, solving a problem in Physics, or analyzing a story in Math, you can prepare for this new format. Use EBA resources and online platforms to your advantage. Solve mock exams, close your knowledge gaps, and believe in yourself. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and experiences with us—we look forward to reading your comments on our website.
