The final stretch for YKS: Stress management is more important than knowledge

While the High School Entrance Exam is now behind us, the countdown has begun for the Higher Education Institutions Examination (YKS). The stress and pressure students experience before the exam directly affect their performance.

Emphasizing that this critical period is no longer about acquiring new knowledge, but rather a time for gaining psychological flexibility and strategic clarity, Expert Education Coach Sezer Kamir said, “Exam success lies not only in subject mastery but in applying knowledge with the right plan. Furthermore, studying after 11 PM is unproductive because the brain cannot process what it has learned. Creating a biological clock that aligns with the exam time will be the most valuable achievement of this week.”

The big day is approaching for millions of university candidates. As the final stretch before the Higher Education Institutions Examination (YKS) begins, candidates are both refreshing their knowledge and doing final reviews, while also struggling with the natural stress and anxiety brought on by the exam.

The pressure of fitting years of effort into a single exam is felt by students, especially during this final period. The effort to complete missing topics, practice exam results, and the pressure they put on themselves are among the main factors that increase candidates' anxiety levels.

“FOCUS ON YOUR CHILD, NOT THE EXAM”

Stating that the YKS process is an exam that involves not only the student but also the family, the expert said, "Focus on your child, not the exam. Let the routine in your life continue. Constantly talking about the exam or expressing expectations increases the student's burden. A reassuring silence before the exam is the foundation of their morale on the morning of the exam.

Time management is of critical importance. Therefore, practice exams conducted at the same time as the actual exam will support both physical and emotional preparation. Experiencing what you will face on the morning of the exam in advance provides the skill to recognize and manage anxiety. At least one practice exam should be taken within the actual exam duration and in accordance with exam rules," he said.

NO REVIEWS IN THE FINAL WEEK

Stating that a common mistake made during this period is "the attempt to scan all topics from scratch," Kamir continued his words as follows: “Instead, candidates need to focus on the points where they make frequent mistakes. Mini review cards, special solutions for question types that cannot be solved, and 'error analysis notebooks' created after practice exams are among the very important details for this week.

Candidates should wake up every day at the time they will wake up on the morning of the exam. This way, the brain will be in 'active mode' at the time of the exam. At the same time, nothing new should be tried regarding nutrition. To avoid disrupting the body's rhythm, excessively fatty, sugary, or caffeinated foods should be avoided. Instead of 'experimental breakfasts' on the morning of the exam, familiar and light foods should be preferred. One day before the exam, absolutely no new topics should be studied. Instead, candidates can listen to their favorite music, go for a walk, or even remember pleasant memories from their lives as a family.”