YKS Score Types Guide: What Are TYT, SAY, SÖZ, EA, and DİL?

Score Type Confusion: A Familiar Story

A friend of mine once told me at the start of junior year, "I'm already in the math track — nothing to worry about." Turned out he hadn't taken the right elective courses and had actually registered for the EA stream. By the time he noticed, three months had passed. YKS score types have exactly this kind of trap: similar names, completely different compositions. YKS score types are different weighted averages calculated from a student's exam results. Each program uses the score type that best reflects the skills relevant to its field. There are five main types: TYT, SAY, SÖZ, EA, and DİL.

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What Are the YKS Score Types?

TYT Score

TYT stands for Temel Yeterlilik Testi (Basic Proficiency Test). It is calculated entirely from the first session, covering Turkish, Math, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. Most four-year university programs require both TYT and AYT scores — TYT alone qualifies you for associate degree and open education programs. A weak TYT score sets a ceiling on your final placement regardless of how well you do in AYT. The minimum net threshold fluctuates annually but generally falls between 150 and 180 correct answers.

SAY Score

SAY means Sayısal (Numerical). It combines TYT scores with AYT's Math and Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) tests. Medical schools, engineering programs, and science faculties require SAY. Among all YKS score types, SAY tends to be the most competitive. Top medical schools may require scores above 520 — and even that isn't always enough.

SÖZ Score

SÖZ means Sözel (Verbal). It combines TYT scores with AYT's Turkish Language and Literature, History 1 & 2, Geography 1 & 2, Philosophy, and Religious Culture tests. Law, theology, Turkish literature, and history programs use SÖZ.

EA Score

EA stands for Eşit Ağırlık (Equal Weight). It blends numerical and verbal skills — TYT scores plus AYT's Math, Literature, History 1, and Geography 1 tests. Business, economics, psychology, sociology, journalism, and accounting programs rely on EA. EA opens the door to the widest range of university programs among all YKS score types. For students still unsure about their major, EA keeps the most options on the table.

DİL Score

DİL means Dil (Language). It combines TYT scores with AYT's Foreign Language test. Foreign language and philology programs use DİL. Sitting the YDT (Foreign Language Test) alongside YKS can significantly boost your DİL score.

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Which Programs Use Which Score Types?

Looking at the table, EA might seem like the obvious choice — but don't be lulled into false comfort. Psychology programs, which fall under EA, have seen base scores rival those of SAY engineering programs in recent years. ---

Which Score Type Is Right for Me? A Decision Tree

If your career path isn't clear yet, work through these questions in order:

• Strong in math and science: Lean toward SAY; consider engineering, medicine, or science programs.
• Strong in Turkish and social studies: SÖZ is a natural fit; law, literature, and history programs are options.
• Balanced in both: EA gives you the widest choice of programs.
• Strong foreign language foundation: DİL is worth pursuing seriously if language programs interest you.
• Torn between EA and SÖZ: Students who can't decide often lose valuable time — pick one and build your study plan around it.

To see where you stand in each score type right now, the [free YKS analysis tool on durumum.net](/tr/analiz) runs a simulation by score type and shows you where you'd likely rank.

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GPA Impact: The Points Your Diploma Brings

OBP (Ortaöğretim Başarı Puanı, or High School Achievement Score) is derived from your high school report card grades using a specific ÖSYM formula. A portion of the calculated OBP (multiplied by a 0.12 coefficient) is added to your raw exam score to produce your placement score. Key points to know: - OBP varies considerably between students depending on school type and individual course grades. - Vocational and technical high school graduates may receive additional coefficient bonuses for programs in their field of study. - When two applicants have identical raw scores, OBP ranking becomes the tiebreaker. A high raw score reduces the relative weight of OBP. But for students in the middle of the ranking, even one or two extra points from OBP can mean landing one program slot higher or lower in the preference list. ---

Commonly Confused Concepts

OBP vs. Raw Score Your raw score is generated from your correct answers minus a fraction of wrong answers on the exam. Your OBP comes from high school grades. Your final placement score combines both — neither alone tells the full story. Base Score vs. Success Rank A base score is the score of the last student placed into a given program. A success rank tells you how many people in that score type scored higher than you. When comparing different programs, "how many ranks away am I?" is a more useful question than "how many points away?" To calculate your estimated success rank and see how your profile compares across score types, visit the [durumum.net analysis page](/tr/analiz) — it maps your current position automatically. ---

Score Types and Study Strategy

Choosing a score type is essentially an investment decision: it determines which subjects get the most time and attention. "I'll study everything" sounds thorough in theory; in practice, time is the binding constraint. Focus beats breadth in a high-stakes exam. Settling on a YKS score type early and building your study schedule around it improves both motivation and output. Drifting between all types without a clear priority often leads to mediocre results across the board — decent at everything, competitive in nothing. If you haven't chosen a score type yet, or if you're questioning your current choice, the [free analysis tool on durumum.net](/tr/analiz) maps your performance by score type and shows where you'd rank highest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TYT score alone enough?

For associate degree (MYO) and some open education programs, yes. The vast majority of four-year university programs require both TYT and AYT scores — relying only on TYT severely limits your options.

What is the difference between EA and SÖZ score types?

EA has a strong math component — business, psychology, and economics programs use EA. SÖZ places more weight on Turkish language and social sciences — law, literature, and history programs use SÖZ. A surprising number of students mix these two up.

How do I find out my OBP score?

You can get it from the ÖSYM student portal (ais.osym.gov.tr) or from your school's administration. OBP is a weighted version of your diploma GPA and directly affects your placement score.

Can I change my score type after the exam?

No. The score type you register for before the exam is fixed — you cannot change it after the exam. You cannot apply to programs that require a different score type during the preference period.

Which score type opens the most programs?

EA covers the widest range of programs in Turkey — business, psychology, sociology, accounting, economics, and many more. SAY, on the other hand, opens the door to the highest base-score programs like medicine and engineering.