Ranking, curriculum, laboratories, internships and graduate employment: questions to ask before choosing.
Preparing a preference list is more than finding programmes that fit your ranking. When choosing the programme where you will spend four years or more, check these seven points.
1. The programme's last placed ranking in the previous year
The ranking of the last student placed the previous year roughly shows where you might be placed. However, read this ranking as a guide, not a guarantee; quotas and numbers of candidates change every year.
2. Curriculum and electives
Look at the programme's course plan from the first year to the last. The variety of electives, the possibility of double major and minor, and the nature of the graduation project show the programme's flexibility.
3. Laboratory and workshop facilities
In engineering, architecture and health programmes, practical facilities are decisive. Try to see the laboratories by visiting campus; Open Campus Day is a good opportunity for that.
4. Internships and industry links
Is there a compulsory internship, how long does it last, and does the university find the placements? The list of industry partners and the placement rate of past terms are concrete data you can ask for.
5. Language of instruction
English-taught programmes give an advantage for an international career but may add a preparatory class year. Weigh your language level and goals together.
6. Graduate employment
Ask for the programme's graduate tracking data: how many graduates start work or postgraduate study within six months? In which companies do graduates work?
7. Total cost
Calculate tuition, scholarship rate, dormitory and living costs together. Find out down to which ranking the scholarship quota is given.
A suggestion for deciding
In your preference list, order from the programmes of your dreams towards realistic options and safe options. If you would like an adviser meeting, you can request an appointment through the prospective student form. Remember: the right programme is not only one that matches your score but also your interests and goals.
A sample preference logic
If your ranking is around 120,000, put your target programmes at the top of the list, programmes matching your ranking in the middle and safe options at the bottom. List the same department at different universities and scholarship rates; that way, if your ranking shifts a little, you keep your department and scholarship preferences. Calculate the financial effect of studying with a scholarship: a 50% scholarship can make a difference of hundreds of thousands of liras over four years.
Use an adviser
Our prospective student advisers share programme and scholarship suggestions suited to your ranking free of charge during the preference period, but the decision is always yours.
Conclusion
A preference is more than placing your ranking in a table: you need to think about your interests, financial plan and career goals together. Do not rush, try to see programmes and campuses in person, and talk to students. To be sure of your decision you can attend Open Campus Day.
