Adolescence and University Entrance Exams

Adolescence (puberty) is a period when individuals enter the process of identity formation and begin to determine their future career choices. During this period, adolescents are faced with university entrance exams as they strive to continue their education. There are many relationships and interactions between adolescence and university entrance exams. In this article I have prepared, we will examine the relationship between adolescence and university entrance exams together.

What is Adolescence?

Adolescence is defined as a stage that represents the transition from childhood to adulthood. It usually begins around the ages of 10-12 and continues until 18-20, but the duration can vary depending on individual differences. Adolescence is a tumultuous period of significant physical and psychological changes.

• Physical Changes:

One of the most noticeable changes during this period is reaching sexual maturity and the body starting to exhibit adolescent characteristics. In girls, changes such as the onset of menstrual cycles, breast development, and changes in body shape occur, while in boys, changes such as voice deepening, the growth of body hair, and enlargement of the genitalia take place. These physical changes can have significant effects on body image and sexual identity in adolescents.

• Hormonal and Biological Changes:

Adolescence is the period in which hormonal and biological changes are most intense. With adolescence, the hypothalamus and pituitary glands in the brain increase the release of sex hormones. While these hormones influence the physical and sexual development of adolescents, they can also have an impact on mood, emotional balance, and behavior.

• Identity Formation:

Adolescence is an important stage in which individuals enter the process of identity formation, so adolescents are in the process of discovering their values, beliefs, abilities, and interests. Factors such as social relationships, academic achievement, sexual identity, and career choices can shape identity formation during this period. Adolescents experience various experiences to express themselves, gain independence, and form their own self-concepts.

• Emotional and Social Changes:

As a period of intensified emotional and social changes, adolescents often experience emotional issues such as mood swings, conflicts, anger, and depression. Social relationships also play a significant role during this period. Adolescents engage in social interactions in their quest to belong to peer groups, gain acceptance, and find their identities.

• Quest for Independence:

Adolescence is the period when the search for independence is most intense. Adolescents strive to make their own decisions, take responsibility, and manage themselves, driven by a desire to be more independent from their families. During this process, adolescents may experience conflicts with their families, but they also take significant steps towards forming their own identities.

In summary, adolescence is a stage of intense physical, sexual, hormonal, psychological, and social changes. These changes contribute to individuals entering the process of identity formation, seeking independence, and preparing for future adult roles. Adolescence is a period that encompasses both challenges and opportunities for exploration and growth.

Adolescence and the Decision-Making Process

I defined adolescence as a period when individuals begin to gain independence and make their own decisions. During this period, adolescents enter the decision-making process to determine their goals and choose their future careers. University choices are one of the most important steps in the decision-making process for adolescents. Adolescents make their university choices based on their personalities, interests, abilities, and career goals. Let's now examine the factors that influence these decisions and choices.

• Academic Achievement and University Choices:

The academic achievements of adolescents have a significant impact on their university choices. Adolescents who want to enter university generally gravitate towards fields in which they are academically successful and interested. Adolescents with high academic performance tend to apply to more prestigious universities. Additionally, future career goals and career expectations play an important role in adolescents' university choices.

• Exam Stress and University Choices:

The university entrance process is usually a significant source of stress for adolescents. Particularly in countries with exam-based university entrance systems, adolescents are under immense pressure during the exam preparation process. Exam stress can influence adolescents' university choices. During this period, adolescents often tend to choose fields in which they feel more confident and successful, but they may struggle to choose more popular or prestigious professions.

• Influence of Parents and Environment:

The attitudes and expectations of parents and the environment are factors that influence adolescents' university choices. Parents' professions can have an impact on adolescents' choices. Parental expectations can guide adolescents towards pursuing university education in specific fields. Additionally, role models in the environment and societal pressures can also influence adolescents' university choices. For example, an adolescent may choose a popular profession or follow the path taken by others in their surroundings.

• Personal Development and University Choices:

University choices also mark the beginning of the personal development process for adolescents. University choices offer new experiences and opportunities for personal growth. Adolescents consider their interests and abilities while making university choices and also seek an environment where they can develop themselves. University choices are an important step that influences adolescents' social, academic, and personal development.

In conclusion, there is a complex relationship between adolescence and university entrance exams. Factors such as personalities, interests, academic achievements, parental attitudes, and environmental influences are among the factors that affect adolescents' university choices.