The Magic Number: 70
When researching master's and Ph.D. programs in Turkey, you will quickly notice a recurring requirement: a minimum ALES score. While some universities accept a 55 for basic master's programs, the most common threshold for competitive programs and almost all Ph.D. applications is 70 points.
For international students, understanding how to mathematically reach this threshold is the first step in exam preparation. To see exactly where you stand right now, you can input your practice test results into our ALES Puan Hesaplama tool.
In this article, we will break down the math behind the ALES scoring system to show you exactly what it takes to hit 70.
The 50 Base Score Explained
Unlike a traditional test graded from 0 to 100 based directly on the percentage of correct answers, ALES utilizes a statistical base score. In general estimation models, everyone starts with a base score of 50.
Why? The Turkish testing authority (ÖSYM) uses a standardized Z-score and T-score statistical model. In this model, an average performance (hitting the national average of correct answers) is standardized to exactly 50 points. Therefore, calculation tools assume that before you even factor in your individual strengths, your baseline is 50.
If your goal is 70 points, the math is simple: You need to generate 20 points from your test performance. (70 Target - 50 Base = 20 Points Needed).
How Many "Nets" Do You Need for 20 Points?
To get those 20 points, you need to accumulate "Nets." A Net is calculated by taking your correct answers and subtracting the penalty for guessing: Correct - (Incorrect / 4).
The number of Nets you need depends entirely on which score type you are applying with (SAY, EA, or SÖZ) and the corresponding coefficients. Let's look at the scenarios for each score type.
1. Quantitative (SAY) Target: 70 Points
If you are applying for Engineering or Sciences, your SAY score is calculated using a 0.6 multiplier for Math Nets and 0.4 for Verbal Nets.
- Scenario A (Math Only): If you leave the Verbal section entirely blank, you need to generate all 20 points from Math.
20 points / 0.6 coefficient = 33.3 Nets. You would need about 34 correct answers and 0 wrongs in the math section. - Scenario B (Balanced): If you can get 10 easy Verbal Nets (yielding 4 points), you only need 16 points from Math.
16 points / 0.6 coefficient = 26.6 Nets. This is a much safer approach.
2. Equal Weight (EA) Target: 70 Points
If you are applying for Business or Psychology, both sections carry a 0.5 multiplier.
- The Rule of 40: Because both multipliers are 0.5, you simply need a total of 40 Nets across both sections to get 20 points.
(40 Nets * 0.5 = 20 points). It does not matter if it is 20 Math / 20 Verbal, or 10 Math / 30 Verbal. Just hit a total of 40 Nets.
3. Verbal (SÖZ) Target: 70 Points
If you are applying for Humanities, your SÖZ score uses a 0.6 multiplier for Verbal Nets and 0.4 for Math Nets.
- Scenario A (Verbal Only): Leaving Math blank, you need
20 points / 0.6 coefficient = 33.3 Netsin the Verbal section. - Scenario B (Math Assisted): If you solve 10 basic math questions correctly (yielding 4 points), your Verbal burden drops to 26.6 Nets.
The Standard Deviation Safety Buffer
It is vital to understand that the 50 base score and these coefficients (0.6, 0.5, 0.4) are averages used for estimation. Official results fluctuate based on the actual difficulty of the exam (standard deviation). In an exceptionally easy exam, 34 Nets might only yield 68 points instead of 70.
The Golden Rule: Never aim exactly for 70 in your practice tests. Always build in a safety buffer of at least 3 to 4 points. When using the ALES Puan Hesaplama tool, your target practice score should be a 74, ensuring that even on a bad day or during an "easy" exam year, you will safely clear the 70-point hurdle.
