TR-YÖS 2026 Retake Strategy: How to Improve Your Score by 50-100 Points?

You took TR-YÖS once, received your score, and now you’re wondering: should I retake it? Is improving 50-100 points realistic? Will universities see both scores?

Let’s start with facts that matter for your decision:

TR-YÖS scores are valid for 2 years. If you took TR-YÖS in April 2024, that score remains valid until April 2026. Taking TR-YÖS 2026 gives you a second score to use—universities typically accept your highest score when you apply, though some may ask to see all attempts.

Score improvement is absolutely possible. I’ve consulted hundreds of retakers at EduTürkiye, and students who analyze their mistakes properly improve by 40-120 points on average. The difference between a 320 (limiting your options) and a 400+ (opening doors to competitive programs) is strategic preparation, not just “studying harder.”

The real question isn’t “should I retake?”—it’s “can I identify and fix what went wrong the first time?” If your first attempt was genuinely your best possible performance with optimal preparation, retaking might not help. But if you made avoidable mistakes—poor time management, weak fundamentals in specific math topics, panic on exam day, or insufficient practice—then you have concrete areas to improve.

Why Your First Score Was Lower Than Expected: The Real Reasons

Most retakers I work with say “I just need to study more.” That’s too vague. Let’s diagnose the actual problems:

Reason #1: Time Management Disaster (Affects 60% of First-Timers)

The problem: You spent 4 minutes on question 15 (difficult), rushed through questions 50-70, and left questions 71-80 blank. You didn’t finish the exam.

How you know this affected you: If you left more than 5 questions completely blank not because you didn’t know the concepts, but because time ran out, this is your issue.

The fix: Practice tests under strict 100-minute conditions are mandatory. You need to develop an internal clock. Aim for 75 seconds per question average, but implement a skip strategy: if you don’t see the solution path within 45 seconds, mark the question in your booklet, fill a random guess on the answer sheet (remember: blank = 0, wrong = -0.25, but correct = +1), and move on. Return to skipped questions if time remains.

Practical drill: Take a 40-question section in exactly 50 minutes once per week. Track questions completed versus time remaining. Your goal: finish all 40 with 5+ minutes to spare for review.

Reason #2: Weak Fundamentals in Specific Math Topics

The problem: You’re fine with algebra but geometry questions consistently trip you up. Or you understand number sequences but fail on data interpretation charts. Your weakness isn’t “math”—it’s 2-3 specific topics.

How you know this affected you: When you review practice exams, 60-70% of your errors cluster in the same 2-3 content areas (circle geometry, probability, inequalities, etc.).

The fix: Create a weakness log. After each practice test, categorize every mistake:

• Algebra (equations, functions, polynomials)
• Geometry (triangles, circles, solid geometry, coordinate geometry)
• Numbers (fractions, percentages, ratios, exponents)
• Logic/Reasoning (sequences, patterns, data interpretation)

Identify your bottom two categories. Dedicate 40% of your study time exclusively to these weak areas. Use targeted problem sets, watch video tutorials, work with a tutor if needed—but don’t just “study math generally.” Attack specific weaknesses.

Example: If circle geometry is your weakness, complete 200 circle problems before your retake. Master theorems about inscribed angles, tangent lines, arc lengths, sector areas. When circle questions appear on TR-YÖS 2026, you’ll recognize patterns instantly because you’ve seen them 200 times.

Reason #3: Answer Sheet Mechanics Cost You Points

The problem: You marked answers incorrectly (filled two bubbles for one question), didn’t erase cleanly when changing answers, or miscoded your exam booklet number.

How you know this affected you: If your self-calculated score was 340 but ÖSYM reported 310, mechanical errors cost you 30 points—enough to affect university options significantly.

The fix: Practice with actual optical answer sheets, not just working problems on paper. You can print TR-YÖS style answer sheets (available online) and practice bubbling answers:

• Fill bubbles completely and darkly with pencil
• Stay inside the bubble boundaries
• When erasing, erase completely—the optical reader detects faint marks
• Practice coding your exam booklet number (11-digit number requires coding each digit 0-9)

Drill: Once per week, complete a full 80-question practice test on an optical sheet. Scan or carefully review your sheet—did you fill bubbles properly? Any stray marks? Any partial erasures?

Reason #4: Negative Marking Strategy Failed

The problem: You guessed randomly on 25 questions you had no clue about. With -0.25 per wrong answer, if you got 5 correct by luck (20% rate) and 20 wrong, that’s 5 points gained but 5 points lost—net zero, but you wasted time.

How you know this affected you: You answered 75+ questions but your score is lower than someone who answered 60 questions carefully.

The fix: Implement a smart guessing strategy:

• If you can confidently eliminate 2-3 wrong answers, guess from remaining options (statistically favorable)
• If you have absolutely no idea (can’t eliminate any options), leave it blank
• Never randomly guess without any reasoning

Math behind it: If you guess randomly among 5 options, your expected value is (0.20 × 1) + (0.80 × -0.25) = 0.20 – 0.20 = 0 points. But if you eliminate 2 wrong options and guess among 3 options, expected value is (0.33 × 1) + (0.67 × -0.25) = 0.33 – 0.17 = +0.16 points per question. Small edge, but across 20 questions, that’s 3+ extra points.

Reason #5: Test Anxiety Sabotaged Performance

The problem: You know the material but panic on exam day. Your hands shake, you can’t focus, you second-guess every answer, and you perform far below your practice test scores.

How you know this affected you: If your practice tests consistently scored 350-380 but exam day was 280-300, anxiety likely affected you.

The fix: This isn’t about “just relax”—it requires systematic desensitization:

8 weeks before exam:

• Take practice tests in progressively more exam-like conditions
• Start at home (comfortable), move to library (semi-public), then to a classroom with other people present

4 weeks before:

• Simulate full exam day: wake at 6 AM, eat light breakfast, travel to test location, take practice test at 11:15 AM
• Practice sitting still for 100 minutes without bathroom breaks

1 week before:

• Visit your actual exam building if possible (just to see it from outside)
• Prepare all documents the night before (exam entrance document, ID, water bottle)
• Reduce study intensity—trust your preparation

Exam day morning:

• Light breakfast (avoid heavy foods that cause discomfort)
• Arrive 1 hour early (rushing increases anxiety)
• Deep breathing exercises: 4 counts in, hold 4, 4 counts out, repeat 10 times
• Remind yourself: “I’ve completed 10 practice tests successfully. This is just practice test #11.”

Reason #6: Insufficient Practice Test Volume

The problem: You studied concepts from books but took only 2-3 full practice tests before exam day. You understood the material but weren’t familiar with TR-YÖS question patterns and timing.

How you know this affected you: Questions on exam day felt harder or different than you expected, even though they covered topics you’d studied.

The fix: Minimum 10 full-length practice tests before retaking TR-YÖS. Here’s why this number matters:

• Tests 1-3: Learning the format, identifying weaknesses
• Tests 4-7: Improving speed and accuracy after targeted practice
• Tests 8-10: Refining strategy, building confidence, simulating exam conditions

Each practice test should be:

• Full 80 questions (40 numerical aptitude + 40 math)
• Strict 100-minute time limit
• On an optical answer sheet
• Reviewed thoroughly afterward (spend 60-90 minutes analyzing every mistake)

Where to find practice tests:

• Past TR-YÖS exams (available from ÖSYM website and test prep sites)
• Commercial YÖS preparation books (buy 3-4 different books for variety)
• Online YÖS platforms with question banks
• EduTürkiye TR-YÖS Practice Tests (free and paid options)

Your 3-Month Retake Preparation Plan

You’re registering for TR-YÖS 2026 in January/February. The exam is April 12. Here’s your week-by-week plan:

Month 1 (January): Diagnosis and Foundation Building

Week 1: Complete diagnostic assessment

• Take 2 full practice tests (don’t study beforehand—assess current level)
• Score both tests, create detailed error log
• Categorize mistakes into: (1) concept not understood, (2) careless error, (3) time pressure, (4) guessing wrong
• Identify your 2-3 weakest content areas

Week 2-3: Intensive work on weakest areas

• If geometry is weak: Complete 50 geometry problems daily
• If algebra is weak: Review equations, functions, practice 50 algebra problems daily
• Watch video tutorials for concepts you don’t understand
• Use Khan Academy, YouTube, or Turkish YÖS prep channels
• Create formula sheet for quick reference

Week 4: Mid-month practice test

• Take practice test #3 under timed conditions
• Compare to diagnostic tests—did weak areas improve?
• Adjust study focus based on results
• Begin implementing time management strategies

Month 2 (February): Building Speed and Accuracy

Week 5-6: Mixed practice with emphasis on speed

• Complete 3-4 timed section practices per week (40 questions in 50 minutes)
• Focus on skip-and-return strategy for difficult questions
• Practice optical answer sheet bubbling
• Review every single mistake—understand why wrong answer is wrong and why correct answer is correct

Week 7: Pattern recognition training

• TR-YÖS reuses question types across exams
• Study past exams specifically to recognize patterns:
  • Common numerical sequence types (arithmetic, geometric, Fibonacci-like)
  • Typical geometry configurations (inscribed angles, similar triangles)
  • Standard word problem setups
• Create a “pattern library” of common question types

Week 8: High-volume practice week

• Take 3 full practice tests this week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
• This is your peak training week
• By Friday, you should feel comfortable with 100-minute format
• Score should be improving 20-40 points from Month 1 diagnostic

Month 3 (March): Refinement and Peak Performance

Week 9-10: Maintaining peak while reducing anxiety

• Take 2 full practice tests per week
• Focus on consistency—aim for similar scores across tests
• Practice full exam day simulation (wake early, light breakfast, test at 11:15 AM)
• Review formula sheet daily (but create it yourself—don’t just read others’)

Week 11: Final preparation week

• Take 2 final practice tests early in week (Monday and Wednesday)
• After Wednesday, stop taking full tests
• Thursday-Friday: Light review only—look at formula sheet, review common mistakes, but don’t learn new material
• Saturday (one week before exam): Complete rest day—no studying
• Sunday-Tuesday: 1-2 hours daily of light review, focus on confidence-building

Week 12: Exam week

• Monday-Wednesday: Review formula sheet 30 minutes daily, that’s all
• Wednesday evening: Prepare all documents (exam entrance, ID), set 3 alarms, lay out clothes
• Thursday (exam day): Light breakfast, arrive by 10:15 AM, deep breathing, execute your practiced strategy

Advanced Score Improvement Techniques

Technique #1: The “Quick Win” Question Prioritization

Not all questions are created equal. Some give you points quickly; others eat time with minimal success chance.

Strategy: On exam day, make two passes through the exam:

• Pass 1 (60 minutes): Answer every question you can solve in under 90 seconds. Skip anything that looks time-intensive or conceptually difficult. Goal: Complete 55-65 questions in first 60 minutes.
• Pass 2 (35 minutes): Return to skipped questions. Spend 2-3 minutes on each if needed. Leave 5 minutes for final review.

Why this works: You guarantee points on easier questions before time pressure affects you. You avoid the “waste 5 minutes on question 8, never reach question 75” trap.

Practice this: In your practice tests, mark questions as “quick” (solved in under 90 sec) or “slow” (need 2+ min). Track your accuracy on quick vs slow questions. Most students find their quick question accuracy is 75-85% while slow question accuracy is only 45-55%—meaning slow questions aren’t worth the time investment.

Technique #2: Elimination Power

You don’t need to know the answer—you just need to eliminate wrong answers and guess smart.

Example question type: Number sequences

Question: “2, 5, 11, 23, 47, ?” Options: (A) 92 (B) 94 (C) 95 (D) 96 (E) 97

Even if you don’t see the pattern immediately, you can eliminate:

• Look at the sequence: each number roughly doubles
• 47 × 2 ≈ 94-96 range
• Eliminate (A) 92 (too small) and (E) 97 (too large)
• Now guess among (B), (C), (D)—your odds improved from 20% to 33%

Practice this: On 20 questions you got wrong in practice tests, go back and try to eliminate 2 options without solving. Could you have improved your guessing odds?

Technique #3: Concept Clustering Study

Instead of studying “Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3,” study by question type clustering:

Create study sessions like:

• Session: “Right triangle problems” – Complete 30 problems involving Pythagorean theorem, special triangles (30-60-90, 45-45-90), trigonometric ratios. All in one session.
• Session: “Percentage and ratio problems” – Complete 30 problems converting percentages to fractions, solving ratio problems, percentage increase/decrease.
• Session: “Sequence pattern recognition” – Complete 30 problems identifying arithmetic, geometric, and complex sequences.

Why this works: Your brain builds pattern recognition within question types. When you see a right triangle on TR-YÖS, you’ve seen 30 similar problems recently and recognize the approach instantly.

Technique #4: Active Mistake Review

Most students review mistakes passively: “Oh, I see why that’s wrong. OK, next question.”

Active review means:

1. Read the question and your wrong answer
2. Before looking at solution, identify: “Why did I choose this wrong answer? What made it seem correct?”
3. Then look at solution and understand correct approach
4. Identify the principle: “This question tests [concept X]. When I see [pattern Y], I should think [approach Z].”
5. Find 2-3 similar problems and solve them immediately to reinforce

Example:

• Wrong answer: Chose (C) on a circle geometry problem
• Why wrong: Assumed arc length and chord length were equal (they’re not)
• Correct principle: Arc length uses circumference formula (2πr × angle/360); chord length uses triangle properties
• Action: Find 5 more circle arc/chord problems and solve them today

Time investment: Each mistake takes 5-10 minutes of active review, but prevents the same mistake from repeating. Better to review 20 mistakes actively than 100 mistakes passively.

Technique #5: Formula Sheet Discipline

Many students create formula sheets, then never look at them again. Your formula sheet should be:

Created by you (not copied from internet)—the act of creating it builds memory

Organized by question type:

• Numerical Aptitude: Common sequence formulas
• Geometry: Area formulas, volume formulas, circle theorems
• Algebra: Quadratic formula, factoring patterns, function properties
• Numbers: Percentage formulas, ratio/proportion rules

Reviewed daily: 5 minutes every morning, visualizing where each formula appears on the sheet

Tested weekly: Have someone quiz you: “What’s the area formula for a triangle?” You should recall without checking. If you can’t, that formula needs more review.

Specific Content Area Improvement Strategies

Let me address the most common weak areas for retakers:

If You’re Weak in Geometry:

Problem: Geometry questions test spatial reasoning and theorem application—difficult to improve without structured practice.

Solution:

• Master the foundational theorems: Pythagorean, similar triangles, inscribed angle theorem, tangent-radius perpendicularity
• Draw diagrams for every problem—even if one is provided, redraw it yourself
• Practice mental rotation: If a triangle is flipped or rotated, can you still identify the relationships?
• Complete 200 geometry problems before your retake (target: 10 per day over 20 days)

Specific practice sources:

• Past TR-YÖS geometry questions
• SAT Math Level 2 geometry sections
• Turkish YÖS prep books (Önder Şet, Doğru YÖS, etc.)

If You’re Weak in Numerical Sequences:

Problem: Pattern recognition feels random—sometimes you see it, sometimes you don’t.

Solution:

• Learn the standard patterns: arithmetic (+constant), geometric (×constant), square numbers (n²), Fibonacci (add previous two), alternating operations
• Practice identifying patterns in 15 seconds or less
• If you don’t see pattern in 20 seconds, check if it’s two interleaved sequences: positions 1,3,5,7 follow one pattern while positions 2,4,6,8 follow another

Daily drill: Solve 10 sequence problems every morning. Set a timer—15 seconds per problem. This builds pattern recognition speed.

If You’re Weak in Word Problems:

Problem: Translating Turkish/English text into mathematical equations is difficult.

Solution:

• Identify keywords: “more than” → addition, “less than” → subtraction, “times as many” → multiplication, “per” → division
• Practice converting sentences into equations before solving
• Common TR-YÖS word problem types:
  • Age problems: “Ali is twice as old as Ayşe. In 5 years, Ali will be 1.5 times as old as Ayşe. How old is Ali now?”
  • Work rate problems: “Machine A completes task in 6 hours, Machine B in 4 hours. Working together, how long?”
  • Distance/speed/time: “Train travels 180 km in 3 hours. At same speed, how far in 5 hours?”
  • Mixture problems: “Solution A is 20% salt, Solution B is 50% salt. Mix equal amounts, what % is result?”

Practice strategy: Complete 50 word problems, focusing on equation setup, not just solving. Even if you can solve it mentally, write the equation.

If You’re Weak in Data Interpretation:

Problem: Charts, tables, and graphs are confusing under time pressure.

Solution:

• Practice reading data quickly: What is being measured? What are the units? What is the scale?
• Common question types: Calculate percentages from raw numbers, identify highest/lowest values, compare rates of change
• Don’t over-analyze—TR-YÖS data questions test basic reading, not complex statistical analysis

Daily practice: Find any chart or graph (news article, report, social media infographic) and practice extracting information in 30 seconds.

The Psychology of Retaking: Mental Preparation

Retaking an exam carries psychological baggage. Here’s how to handle it:

Reframe Your First Attempt

Your first TR-YÖS wasn’t a failure—it was a diagnostic test. It told you exactly where you need to improve. Many successful students take entrance exams 2-3 times. University admissions officers understand this—they care about your final score, not how many attempts it took.

Manage Pressure

Unhelpful thinking: “I have to score 100 points higher or I wasted money and time.”

Helpful reframe: “I’m better prepared this time. Even a 30-point improvement opens new university options. I’ll do my best and see what happens.”

Pressure comes from: Fear of judgment from family/friends, feeling behind peers who scored higher first time, or worry about reapplying to universities.

Reality check: Your 2026 TR-YÖS score is valid for 2 years. If you score 380, that’s a tool you can use for university applications. If someone scored 420 on their first try, they have their tool. You both apply to universities—the exam is over, your score is your score. What matters now is using it strategically.

Build Confidence Through Evidence

Keep a “progress log”:

• Week 1 practice test: 285
• Week 4 practice test: 310 (+25 points)
• Week 8 practice test: 345 (+60 points from start)
• Week 11 practice test: 368 (+83 points from start)

This visible progress proves improvement is happening. Review this log when you feel discouraged.

Practical Logistics for Retakers

Registration Considerations

Should you choose the same exam center? If your first attempt’s exam center had problems (confusing location, poor facilities), choose differently. If it was fine, familiar territory might reduce anxiety.

Exam booklet language: If you took the exam in Turkish but struggled with language-related questions (word problems), consider switching to English if you’re fluent. Or vice versa.

Score Reporting to Universities

When you apply to universities with two TR-YÖS scores:

• Most universities accept your highest score
• Some universities ask to see all attempts (for transparency)
• Be honest if asked—universities understand retaking exams

In your application: Brief explanation if there’s a large improvement: “I retook TR-YÖS after identifying specific math areas needing improvement. My focused preparation resulted in a 95-point score increase.”

Financial Planning

Retaking costs:

• TR-YÖS exam fee: 1,100-3,500 TRY ($26-83 depending on location)
• Study materials: 500-1,000 TRY ($12-24) if buying new prep books
• Possible prep course: 2,000-10,000 TRY ($48-240) if you choose to enroll
• Total budget: 3,500-15,000 TRY ($85-360)

Is it worth it financially? Compare to university costs:

• 50-point improvement might qualify you for a better university
• Better university could mean better scholarship opportunities
• Scholarship of 50% tuition over 4 years = 12,000-32,000 TRY saved ($290-760 annually × 4 years)
• Investment in retake pays for itself many times over if it improves your university/scholarship options

Common Retaker Questions Answered

Q: Will universities view retaking negatively? A: No. Universities care about your highest score. Retaking shows perseverance, which is positive.

Q: Should I take a prep course this time if I self-studied before? A: If you improved your diagnostic by less than 30 points after Month 1 of self-study, consider a course. If you improved 40+, self-study is working—continue it.

Q: What if my retake score is lower than my first score? A: Universities will use your higher score. There’s no penalty for a lower retake. Worst case: you use your original score.

Q: How much time should I study daily? A: 2-3 hours daily is optimal. More isn’t necessarily better—quality > quantity. Include: 60 min new material/practice, 30 min mistake review, 30 min formula review, 30 min timed section practice.

Q: Should I study with others or alone? A: Both have benefits. Solo study for focused work; group study (1-2 study partners) for explaining concepts to each other and staying motivated.

Q: Is one month enough to prepare for retake? A: One month is tight but possible if you: (1) already know most concepts, just need practice, (2) can dedicate 4+ hours daily, (3) focus only on high-yield topics. Ideally, give yourself 8-12 weeks.

Your Action Plan: Starting Today

You’ve read this guide. Now implement it. Here’s what to do today:

Action 1: Take a Diagnostic Practice Test

Don’t study first—take a full 80-question, 100-minute practice test today or tomorrow. This establishes your baseline. Score it honestly.

Action 2: Create Your Error Log Spreadsheet

Set up columns: Question Number | Topic | Why I Got It Wrong | Correct Approach | Similar Problem to Practice

Action 3: Register for TR-YÖS 2026

Visit https://tryos.osym.gov.tr when applications open (January 14). Don’t wait until February 3—register early.

Action 4: Gather Study Materials

• Order 2-3 TR-YÖS prep books (physical books work better than PDFs for most students)
• Bookmark 3-4 online resources
• Print optical answer sheets (10-15 copies)
• Create your formula sheet template (leave it blank for now—fill it as you study)

Action 5: Set Your Target Score

Be realistic but ambitious. If your first score was 290, targeting 450 is unlikely. Target 340-370—a 50-80 point improvement that opens significantly more university options.

Action 6: Tell Someone Your Plan

Accountability matters. Tell a parent, sibling, or friend: “I’m retaking TR-YÖS on April 12, 2026. I’m aiming for [target score]. I’m studying [X hours] per day. Please check in with me weekly.”

Final Motivation: Why Your Retake Will Succeed

Here’s what you have this time that you didn’t have before:

1. Experience: You’ve taken TR-YÖS once. The format isn’t mysterious. The time pressure is real, but not unknown. You know what exam day feels like.

2. Data: Your first score told you exactly what you need to improve. You’re not studying blindly—you have targeted areas.

3. Maturity: Whether it’s been 6 months or a year since your first attempt, you’ve matured as a student. Your study skills are better. Your discipline is stronger.

4. Motivation: You know what’s at stake. This isn’t just “let’s try this exam.” You want specific university programs. You have goals. That motivation drives preparation.

5. Resources: You’re reading this guide. You’ll visit EduTürkiye. You’ll use available prep materials. You’re not figuring it out alone.

Thousands of students retake TR-YÖS every year. Many improve their scores substantially. You’re not facing an impossible challenge—you’re facing a solvable problem with a clear action plan.

The difference between a 320 and a 400 isn’t talent. It’s preparation + strategy + confidence.

You have 3 months. That’s enough time if you use it wisely.

Start today. Your improved TR-YÖS score—and your spot at a great Turkish university—are waiting.

Good luck with your retake—you’ve got this! 🎯

Read the complete guide here!