Turkish universities have become a magnet for international students from various countries, especially Arab students, due to their prestigious reputation, advanced academic rankings, and the generous scholarships offered by the Turkish government every year. However, many programs at Turkish universities require students to pass certain entrance examinations such as YÖS or SAT. In this article, we will explore the difference between the SAT and YÖS.
What Is the Difference Between the SAT and YÖS?
Both the YÖS and SAT are exams that are required as a basic condition for admission to Turkish universities. Before diving into the details of these two exams, we will briefly explain the difference between them:
| YÖS Exam | SAT Exam | |
| Exam Language | Turkish | English |
| Curriculum | Local Turkish curriculum | Global American curriculum |
| Nature of the Curriculum | Primarily focused on mathematics | Based on both mathematics and English language skills |
| Number of Questions | Between 80 and 100 questions | 155 questions |
| Exam Duration | 100 minutes | Three hours with a break |
| Preparation Time | Preparation for the YÖS takes 3 to 5 months | You can prepare for the SAT in 50 to 100 hours |
| Exam Cost | Between 100 and 250 Turkish Lira, varying by university | Within Turkey, between 50 and 60 US dollars Outside Turkey, between 70 and 100 US dollars |
The American SAT Exam
The SAT, which stands for Scholastic Assessment Test, is an exam accredited by the United States. It is designed to measure the performance of high school graduates who are about to enter university and to determine their readiness for higher education. The exam assesses students' proficiency in core subjects such as mathematics, writing, and reading in English. The results of this exam are submitted to universities along with other admission documents such as high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, resumes, and personal statements, all of which are evaluated before a final admission decision is made.
The SAT is recognized in the United States and many other countries, including Turkey, where some Turkish universities require it as a basic condition for admission to many of the programs they offer.
Sections of the SAT
The SAT aims to measure students' readiness and preparedness for university studies by focusing on the essential skills needed by any college student. The exam is divided into two main sections:
Section One: This section is dedicated to mathematics and measures the student's mental and computational skills. It consists of 58 multiple-choice questions, 38 of which allow the use of a calculator, while the remaining 20 do not.
Section Two: This section focuses on English language skills and is divided into three parts:
- Part One: Focused on reading and grammar, it contains 52 multiple-choice questions based on the reading of literary or scientific passages.
- Part Two: Dedicated to writing, it includes 44 multiple-choice questions covering grammar, vocabulary, editing skills, and more.
- Part Three: Involves writing an essay on a topic specified by the exam.
Read more about: SAT Exam in Turkey
SAT Exam Dates
SAT exam dates vary according to what is determined by the "College Board," the organization responsible for the exam. Generally, the exam is scheduled after the end of the academic semester and the university selection application period. In the United States, the exam is held in the following months: August, October, November, December, March, May, and June. In other countries, including Turkey, the dates vary from one country to another and from year to year, and they are officially announced on the College Board’s website.
How to Register for the SAT
Registration for the SAT is done online by visiting the official College Board website once the registration and exam dates are announced. The registration process is very simple and involves filling out an application form with your personal information, selecting your desired exam center, paying the exam fee, and then waiting for the exam date.
The Turkish YÖS Exam
YÖS Exam, which stands for "Yabancı Öğrenci Sınavı" (Foreign Student Examination), is the accredited exam for non-Turkish international students seeking admission to Turkish universities. Unlike the internationally recognized SAT, the YÖS is a local exam specific to Turkish universities. It focuses on measuring the student's mathematics skills, and the exam is conducted in Turkish. It is a basic requirement for admission to many programs in Turkish universities, and many institutions use YÖS scores as a criterion for selecting applicants.
Sections of the YÖS Exam
The YÖS exam primarily centers on mathematics and mental calculations, aiming to assess the student's intellectual level, quick thinking, and ability to solve problems in the simplest ways. The exam is divided into two main sections: the first section consists of arithmetic questions, mental skills, intelligence questions, and analysis of graphical shapes and drawings, while the second section comprises questions and problems related to engineering concepts and other geometric figures and their properties. The questions in this exam are written in Turkish, so the student must either be proficient in or have learned Turkish.
YÖS Exam Dates in Turkey
International students eagerly await the YÖS exam date and prepare thoroughly for it, as it will determine their future and grant them admission to Turkish universities. The YÖS exam is not organized by a single institution nationwide; rather, each Turkish university sets its own YÖS exam questions and announces its exam date separately. However, most Turkish universities tend to hold the YÖS exam between May and June, and each institution announces the exam date and application venue on its official website. Therefore, students should follow the news of the university they intend to attend to know when their specific YÖS exam will be held.
Documents Required to Apply for the YÖS Exam
Since the YÖS exam is designated for non-Turkish international students, it requires certain supporting documents such as:
- A residence permit for Turkey or a copy of your passport.
- A translated and notarized copy of your high school diploma in Turkish.
- Passport-sized photographs with a white background.
Which Is Better: the SAT or the YÖS?
It is impossible to give a definitive answer to this question since the preference between the SAT and the YÖS depends on the individual student. However, it is well known that the SAT is an international exam conducted in English, making it the better choice for students who wish to pursue their studies in English or study abroad. On the other hand, the YÖS is administered in Turkish and is suitable for students who are proficient in Turkish or plan to remain in Turkey after completing their studies.
Read more about: YÖS Exam in Turkey
Thus, we come to the end of our article in which we discussed the difference between the SAT and YÖS. We detailed both exams, including the type and number of questions, the registration process, and their dates, and provided a separate comparative table between the two. We hope you have benefited from this article. Do not hesitate to contact Skyline for more information or assistance in preparing for and registering for either exam.