How do you plan the university preference period?
A step-by-step way to run the preference period yourself, from the result document to the approved list.
Short answer
Download your result document from the OSYM candidate system, research departments on YOK Atlas and build a long shortlist, read each program's condition clauses in the guide and drop the ones you do not qualify for, order the list from most wanted to most likely, then save and approve it on the preference screen. Keep the printout.
What you need
Step by step
Download the result document
Log in to the OSYM candidate system with your ID number and password, open the "Result Document" link and save it as a PDF. It shows your score types, rankings and any note about threshold scores. Every decision you make during the period rests on this document.
Download the preference guide
From the OSYM website, under "Announcements" and "Guides", download that year's higher education programs preference guide. The table section holds program codes while the opening text holds the rules. Read both separately; looking only at the table is the most common mistake.
Build a shortlist on YOK Atlas
Open the undergraduate or associate degree preference wizard on YOK Atlas, enter your score type and ranking, then filter. Use the city, university type and teaching mode filters to pick more programs than you actually need. Also read each program's own page for the placed-student profile, occupancy and enrollment data.
Check the condition clauses
For every program on your shortlist, look up its condition numbers in the guide's "Conditions and Explanations" section one by one. Health requirements, special talent exams, language prep, scholarships and fees, and overseas internships are all written there. Remove any program whose conditions you cannot meet.
Research the programs in depth
Open the faculty or department page on each remaining university's website and check the course plan, academic staff and accreditation status. Note the district the campus sits in, plus dormitory and transport options. If you can, talk to a current student; a catalogue does not describe daily life.
Order the list
Arrange the final list starting from the program you want most and moving toward the one you are most likely to get into. Placement is evaluated in order, so a program lower down cannot harm a higher choice. Leave no rows empty and use as many of your allowed slots as you can.
Save the preferences online
Log in to the candidate system, open the "Preference Operations" screen, enter the program codes in order and press "Save". Read every warning and error message; wrong codes or condition mismatches surface here. If a fee is required, pay it the way the guide describes.
Approve and print
Once you are sure of the list, complete the "Approve My Preferences" step and print the resulting preference list document or save it as a PDF. Return to the screen afterwards and confirm the list appears. If you want changes before the deadline, update it on the same screen and approve again.
Tips
Watch out
Saving your preference list is not enough; an unapproved list can be treated as invalid. Also, even if you are placed in a program whose conditions you do not meet, your enrollment will be refused once this is noticed. Always verify deadlines and conditions in the current official OSYM guide.
Frequently asked questions
+Can I change my preference list after approving it?
Yes, as long as the preference period is still open you can update the list on the "Preference Operations" screen and approve it again. No changes are possible once the period closes.
+Do I have to fill the whole preference form?
It is not mandatory, but since preferences are evaluated in order, filling the rows you are entitled to improves your chances and cannot hurt your higher choices.
+Is the information on YOK Atlas binding?
YOK Atlas is an excellent research tool, but the official conditions are written in the OSYM preference guide. If the two conflict, the guide prevails.
+I forgot my candidate system password, what should I do?
Use the password reset link on the login screen, or try logging in with your e-Government password. If the problem continues, contact OSYM through its official channels.
+Do special talent programs go on this form?
Usually no; programs that admit students through a talent exam are applied to directly via the university's own announced calendar and application process. Check the relevant clause in the guide.
Sources and verification
Last verified: 13 Eylül 2026. tell us. Adapted from Turkish higher education admissions (OSYM/YOK) practice; screen and document names are translations of the Turkish originals.
This content is for information only; for official procedures the relevant institution’s current announcements take precedence. Details: disclaimer.