Ministry of National Education responds to claims of interviews for high schools

The Ministry of National Education (MEB) has issued a written statement addressing claims appearing in some newspapers, websites, and social media platforms, such as "a written or interview process will be initiated in addition to the LGS for admission to high schools with project school status in the top 1 percent bracket" and "the LGS score alone will not be sufficient for admission to Turkey's most successful high schools." The Ministry stated that these claims are completely untrue.

"REPORTS ARE NOT BASED ON REGULATIONS"

In its statement, the Ministry emphasized that the news and posts in question are not based on Ministry regulations. It clarified that Article 8 of the Project Schools Regulation, titled "Student Selection and Procedures Regarding Students for Schools Implementing Special Programs," is not a general regulation covering all schools commonly referred to as project schools. The Ministry stated that this article applies only to "schools whose special program implementation is clearly defined and whose status is determined by regulation."

In its statement, the Ministry noted that schools in Turkey implementing special programs are limited only to the TÜBİTAK Science High School and the BAYKAR Science High School. It was pointed out that student selection for these schools is based on the principle of "being successful in a special exam for the school's specific program" in addition to the requirement of "placing within a certain success bracket in the central exam."

"THERE IS NO SUCH SITUATION AS CONDUCTING INTERVIEWS"

The statement indicated that claims suggesting "interviews will be conducted in all project high schools" exceed the scope of the regulation's provisions. The Ministry stated that such reports have no legal basis and are misleading the public. Furthermore, it was emphasized that such misinformation puts students' future dreams in a difficult position and causes unnecessary anxiety among parents.

"MISLEADING REPORTS SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN CREDENCE"

At the end of its statement, the Ministry noted that the news, comments, and posts in question are intended to mislead, and included the following: "It is kindly requested that no credence be given to such news, comments, and posts that are circulated without being based on any documentation, which put pressure on our children's future dreams and cause concern and anxiety among our parents."