English Preparatory Class Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of the English Preparatory Program?

The purpose of the English Preparatory Program is to develop students’ listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) and to help students achieve at least a B1+ level by the end of the academic year.

2. What is the YDYS, and who can take it?

The YDYS (Foreign Language Proficiency Exam) is an examination administered by the School of Foreign Languages at the beginning and end of the academic year to assess students’ English language proficiency. All students enrolled in the compulsory preparatory program are eligible to take the YDYS administered at the beginning of the academic year. The end-of-year YDYS is open to students who have attended the preparatory program, fulfilled the attendance requirement, and successfully completed at least the B1 level.

3. What score do I need to pass the preparatory program through the YDYS?

Students who score at least 70 out of 100 in any one of the YDYS sessions are considered to have successfully completed the English Preparatory Program.

4. Can I be exempted from the YDYS?

Yes. Students who meet one of the following conditions are exempt from both the YDYS and the compulsory English Preparatory Program:

a) Students who have successfully completed a compulsory foreign language preparatory program at a higher education institution within the last three years, provided that the equivalency of their program is approved by the School of Foreign Languages Administrative Board.

b) Students who, within the last three years, completed their secondary education in an institution in a country where the designated language of instruction is the native language, provided that the institution is attended by citizens of that country.

c) Students who have obtained a score of at least 85 (eighty-five) on a centralized foreign language examination recognized by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) within the last three years, or who hold an equivalent score on an international foreign language examination recognized by YÖK.

* The required documents for exemption from the compulsory English Preparatory Program must be submitted to the School of Foreign Languages no later than three days before the YDYS date specified in the academic calendar.

5. What is the STS, and why is it administered?

The STS (Placement/Level Determination Exam) is administered to determine students’ English proficiency levels and place them in the appropriate level of the English Preparatory Program.

6. What level will I start at according to my STS score?

Students are placed at the following levels according to their STS scores:

STS Score	Starting Level
90–100	B1+
75–89	B1
55–74	A2
30–54	A1
0–29	Pre-A1

7. What level will I start at if I do not take the STS?

This depends on the student’s department and status. For example, students in the English Language Teaching and English Language and Literature programs who do not take the STS (except international students) are placed at A1 level. Students who will receive optional preparatory education, as well as international students enrolled in the English Language and Literature and English Language Teaching programs, are placed at Pre-A1 level. Students who do not take the STS may be transferred to a different level after the module begins based on their instructors’ reports.

8. What score do I need to pass a level?

To progress to the next level, students must fulfill the attendance requirement and obtain an average score of at least 70 from examinations, presentations, and other assessment components.

9. What happens if I fail a level?

Students who do not achieve an average score of 70 in a module repeat the same level in the following module.

10. How many times can I repeat the same level?

A student may repeat the same level a maximum of two times. Students who fail after repeating a level twice but have fulfilled the attendance requirement may continue their studies individually or within the Student Support Education program, subject to the applicable conditions.

11. What level do I move to after successfully completing Pre-A1?

Students who successfully complete the Pre-A1 level are placed at A2 level in the following module. Students who fail the Pre-A1 level receive A1-level instruction in the following module.

12. What happens if I successfully complete the B1+ level?

Students who successfully complete the B1+ level are considered to have successfully completed the English Preparatory Program and are entitled to proceed to their departments without taking the YDYS. The student’s preparatory program achievement score is determined based on the B1+ level average. If there is sufficient demand, students may continue to the B2 level.

13. Is attendance compulsory in the English Preparatory Program?

Yes. Students are required to attend at least 80% of the classes in each module. Attendance is assessed separately for each module. When a new module begins, absences from the previous module are not carried over to the new module. Students who fail due to absenteeism twice are considered to have failed the preparatory program.

14. What types of assessment are used in a module?

Although there may be minor differences depending on the level, assessment generally consists of components such as the Progress Test, End-of-Course Test, Online Portfolio, Speaking Portfolio/Presentation, and Writing Portfolio.

15. What should I do if I cannot take an exam due to a valid excuse?

Students who are unable to take an examination for a justified and valid reason and whose excuse is approved by the School of Foreign Languages Administrative Board are granted a make-up examination for the exam they missed. However, the make-up examination provision does not apply to YDYS exams, quizzes, or make-up examinations. The date of the make-up examination is determined by the Academic Board of the relevant department and announced in advance.