Turkish university advisers warn students against last‑minute YKS choices

University admission officials across Turkey are urging candidates to complete their YKS (higher‑education entrance exam) selections before the August 10 2026 deadline. Prof. Dr. Şükran Güzin Ilıcak Aydınalp, rector of Istanbul Gelişim University, cautioned that postponing decisions creates stress and recommended that students meet faculty to learn about programmes. Ahmet Gayretli, a board member at the same university, highlighted the importance of international experience, project opportunities and scholarship support.

İzmir Ekonomi University’s Taylan Özgür Demirkaya advised applicants to align choices with personal interests rather than solely with expected earnings, noting rapid changes in job markets due to AI. Sebahattin Kutlu, general secretary of Istanbul Aydın University, suggested basing preferences on success rankings rather than raw scores, given shifting quotas. Fatıma Nurefşan Yumuşak, associate professor of psychology at Fatih Sultan Mehmet Vakıf University, emphasized managing anxiety, balancing family expectations, and focusing on personal strengths.

Uşak Governor Serdar Kartal also used the period to promote his province and university as safe, well‑connected study destinations. Across the statements, the common message is to avoid last‑minute decisions, seek accurate information, and consider both academic fit and future career pathways.