Test Optional Policy

Mesarya Education House allow students to submit an application as a Test Optional candidate.

Students who feel that their standardized test scores will be beneficial to the review process are encouraged to submit their scores as part of the application process.

However, students who feel that their standardized test scores do not effectively represent their skills and talents or effectively demonstrate their ability to succeed within the university environment, may opt to forgo submitting them for review.

Students who choose not to submit standardized test scores will be required to submit the following alternative evaluative components:

    • high school coursework

    • A contemplative essay responding to a topic related to attributes that define the Mesarya experience.

    • A creative sample or portfolio that relates specifically to their chosen field of study. 

    • recommendation letters,

    • involvement in school and community activities

    • work history,

    • leadership positions, and

    • variety of other factors.

We encourage applicants to decide for themselves whether they wish to submit YKS (University Entrance Exam held by the Turkish Republic Higher Education Student Selection and Placement Board (ÖSYM) ) , SAT, ACT, GCE ”A” Level, IB results as an additional measure of their academic preparedness.  

For applicants who submit test scores, those scores will be one of many factors considered in the application review process. The admission committee will make no assumptions about why some students elect to submit test results and others do not.

Note for International Applicants: The Test Optional policy only applies to the YKS , SAT , ACT, GCE “A” Level, IB, examinations.

International applicants whose first language is not English and do not otherwise waive the requirement for an English language proficiency exam, are required to submit scores from one of the following examinations: TOEFL, IELTS, Pearson, Cambridge English, Password and Duolingo.

Test Optional Essay Topics