2026 Preference Guide: Advice from İldaş, Işık, and Erdem for Candidates

The Preference Marathon Begins in Turkey

Following the successful administration of the YKS exams on June 20 and 21, 2026, millions of candidates in Turkey are now awaiting their results and the start of the preference process [2]. In this sensitive period, access to accurate information and expert guidance becomes doubly important. Görkem İldaş, a veteran education journalist and producer, along with experts such as Işık and Erdem, has published a new guide to help future students navigate the complexities of this path [1].

Expert Analysis: What Do İldaş, Işık, and Erdem Say?

This expert team believes that preferences should not be made solely based on raw scores. İldaş emphasizes in her report that candidates must strike a careful balance between personal interests, professional talents, and university rankings. According to data published on the "Bölge Gündemi" website, this guide focuses on the importance of understanding university capacity changes in 2026 [1].

Nur Erdem Özeren, a prominent name in this field, has always emphasized that candidates should focus on the "career path" and the skills required by the labor market in the next decade, rather than just the university's name. Işık, representing the academic sector, stressed the need to examine social facilities, student exchange programs, and university-industry connections.

Golden Tips for Smart Preferences

According to the provided guide, there are several key factors candidates should consider before the official announcement of results on July 22, 2026 [2]:

1. Rank Analysis Instead of Score: Given the difficulty level of this year's exams, the ranking within the quota will be much more decisive than the total score.
2. Reviewing the ÖSYM Guide: Candidates must carefully study the department codes and specific conditions of each university mentioned in the 2026 guide [3].
3. Realistic Prioritization: The preference list should include a combination of ideal choices, probable choices, and safe choices.

Academic Calendar and Key YKS 2026 Dates

According to the official calendar of the Measurement, Selection and Placement Center (ÖSYM), exam results will be announced on July 22, 2026 [2]. Immediately following that, the preference period begins, which usually lasts until the first week of August. Experts recommend that candidates start preparing their preliminary lists now using the İldaş, Işık, and Erdem guide to avoid stress and hasty decisions at the appointed time [1]. This period is also when researching study cities and living costs should be prioritized.