öss

ÖSS stands for Öğrenci Seçme Sınavı, the Turkish national university entrance examination administered by ÖSYM (Ölçme, Seçme ve Yerleştirme Merkezi). It served as the central admissions mechanism for most public higher education institutions and, in many cases, for private universities as well. The exam was typically held annually and was used to determine placement in undergraduate programs across a wide range of disciplines.

Historically, the ÖSS was the primary tool through which applicants were ranked and assigned to programs based on scores, quotas, and student preferences. The content and format of the test evolved over time, but it generally covered multiple subjects with a focus on Turkish language, mathematics, and areas of science or social science, often in a multiple-choice format. The examination contributed to a centralized admissions culture and significant prep activity across the country.

In the mid-2000s, Turkey reformed its university entrance system. The ÖSS was replaced under the umbrella of the ÖSYS (Öğrenci Seçme ve Yerleştirme Sistemi), introducing a two-stage process: YGS (Yükseköğretime Geçiş Sınavı) for broad eligibility and LYS (Lisans Yerleştirme Sınavı) for program-specific placement. Over time, the ÖSS name gradually fell out of official use as part of these reforms, though it remains a commonly referenced historical term.

Impact and legacy: The ÖSS is associated with the centralization of higher education admissions in Turkey and with the high-stakes testing culture surrounding college admissions. It is frequently discussed in analyses of Turkish higher education reform, access, and equity, reflecting broader shifts in how universities select and admit students.