YKS preparation isn't a marathon that starts in grade 12; it's a process in which the foundations laid in grade 9 build up over 4 years. The answer to the question most parents ask, "when should we start?", is: the structure of preparation changes by grade, but accumulating learning outcomes starts today.
Grade 9: The Foundation and Outcomes Year
Grade 9 is the period when the curriculum overlaps most with TYT. Students who lay a good foundation this year will reinforce rather than re-learn material in grade 12. Goals:
- Solidly completing all learning outcomes in Turkish, math, science, and social studies
- Solving at least 1 practice exam per week
- A regular reading habit (at least 1 book a week)
Grade 10: Defining a Profile
In grade 10, students begin to show the first clear signals of which track (quantitative, equal-weight, or verbal) they'll pursue. This year:
- Deepening in track-specific subjects
- Question-solving speed and analyzing correct-answer counts on practice exams
- Differentiating activities such as TÜBİTAK projects, MUN, and olympiads begin
Grade 11: The Foundation Year for AYT
Grade 11 is the year when most AYT topics are covered, and 60% of YKS success depends on the foundation laid this year.
- 2-3 weekly practice exams + topic review tests
- Target setting: a target correct-answer count for TYT is set by year-end
- University and major research continues in parallel throughout the year
Grade 12: Synthesis and the Marathon
Grade 12 is the year for reinforcing prior knowledge and optimizing exam strategy.
- 5-7 practice exams a week
- An individual study-hall program for weak topics
- Exam anxiety management is carried out together with the counseling unit
The Parent's Role
You also have a role to play in your child's YKS process. What to do:
- Keep the study environment quiet and free of distractions
- Maintain a healthy diet and sleep schedule
- Praise the effort, not the grades
What not to do:
- Comparing them to other students
- Constantly asking about their correct-answer count
- Completely restricting their social life (this lowers motivation)
At Altıneller Schools, a structured preparation program is carried out from grade 9 to grade 12, with 18 PhD-holding teachers and a dedicated academic coaching system.