The ALES score calculator, provided by Hesapstan, estimates ALES-SAY, ALES-SÖZ and ALES-EA scores from numerical and verbal correct-wrong answers. It is useful for students and graduates planning master’s, PhD or academic career applications in Turkey, but it does not replace the official ÖSYM result.
What is ALES?
ALES stands for Akademik Personel ve Lisansüstü Eğitimi Giriş Sınavı, the entrance exam used for academic personnel and graduate education processes in Turkey. It is administered by ÖSYM and is used in many master’s, PhD and academic career pathways.
ALES does not primarily test knowledge from a specific undergraduate major. It focuses on numerical and verbal reasoning, analysis, inference, problem solving and reading comprehension. Candidates from different academic backgrounds therefore take the same exam but may need different score types.
For graduate or academic applications, ALES may be considered together with GPA, foreign language score, interview, statement of purpose, program requirements and the official announcement.
What are the ALES score types?
ALES provides three main score types: ALES-SAY, ALES-SÖZ and ALES-EA. The relevant type depends on the graduate program or academic announcement.
- ALES-SAY: numerical-weighted score type.
- ALES-SÖZ: verbal-weighted score type.
- ALES-EA: equal-weight score type balancing numerical and verbal tests.
- The program, university or academic announcement determines which score type is required.
A candidate may be strong in ALES-SAY but weaker in ALES-SÖZ, or the opposite. Read the result according to the goal: master’s, PhD or a specific academic position.
How is the ALES score calculated?
The calculation starts with numerical and verbal net scores. The general net logic subtracts one fourth of wrong answers from correct answers. These nets are then converted into estimated SAY, SÖZ and EA scores.
The basic net formula is: net = correct answers - wrong answers / 4. In the current calculator structure, each test has 50 questions and the calculator displays estimates for all three score types.
- Numerical test: correct and wrong answers are entered out of 50 questions.
- Verbal test: correct and wrong answers are entered out of 50 questions.
- ALES-SAY gives more weight to the numerical test.
- ALES-SÖZ gives more weight to the verbal test.
- ALES-EA reads both tests in a more balanced way.
- The official result depends on ÖSYM’s scoring model and current-year data.
This calculator provides an educational estimate. The official ALES result is the result document published by ÖSYM.
ALES net calculation vs ALES score calculation
ALES net calculation shows the raw numerical or verbal net result. ALES score calculation converts these nets into different score types. Net alone may not be enough to understand your application strength.
If you want only the raw net calculation first, use the exam net calculator. This page estimates ALES-SAY, ALES-SÖZ and ALES-EA scores.
For some goals, being very strong in one section may be enough; for others, both numerical and verbal performance should be balanced. Read the result according to the target program.
How to use the ALES score calculator
- Enter numerical correct answers.
- Enter numerical wrong answers.
- Enter verbal correct answers.
- Enter verbal wrong answers.
- Review numerical net, verbal net and total net.
- Compare ALES-SAY, ALES-SÖZ and ALES-EA estimates according to your target.
Correct plus wrong answers must not exceed 50 in each test. Blank answers do not directly reduce the net, but they do not increase the score because they are not correct answers.
How should students or graduates read an ALES result?
An ALES result should be read according to the goal. A candidate applying to a numerical program may care more about ALES-SAY, while a verbal or social sciences program may require ALES-SÖZ or ALES-EA depending on its rules.
- Check which score type the target program requires.
- Do not read only the total result; compare numerical and verbal performance.
- For ALES-EA, weakness in one section may limit the score.
- If the numerical section is weak, separate concept gaps from time pressure.
- If the verbal section is weak, track reading speed and paragraph comprehension.
- Use mock exam results for planning, not for judging your academic future.
After estimating the score, ask whether it fits the target program, which section should improve, and whether the rest of your application file is strong enough.
ALES for master’s, PhD and academic careers
ALES is often connected to master’s, PhD and academic career goals. However, each university or program may set different requirements and may combine ALES with GPA, foreign language score, interview or other criteria.
- For master’s applications, check the required ALES score type and minimum threshold in the program announcement.
- For PhD applications, language score and previous GPA may become highly important together with ALES.
- For academic staff positions, read the announcement carefully because requirements can be specific.
- A strong ALES score helps, but it does not guarantee admission by itself.
- A weak mock result does not end the academic goal; improving one section may significantly raise the estimate.
This calculator does not guarantee admission to any master’s, PhD or academic position. Every formal decision depends on ÖSYM, the university or the institution publishing the announcement.
Example ALES calculation
Suppose a candidate has 35 correct and 5 wrong in the numerical test, and 30 correct and 6 wrong in the verbal test.
- Numerical net: 35 - 5 / 4 = 33.75
- Verbal net: 30 - 6 / 4 = 28.50
- Total net: 62.25
- The calculator displays separate estimates for ALES-SAY, ALES-SÖZ and ALES-EA.
If the candidate targets a numerical program, ALES-SAY may matter more. For verbal or equal-weight programs, the relevant score type should be interpreted accordingly.
Common mistakes in understanding ALES
- Treating net score as the official score.
- Confusing ALES-SAY, ALES-SÖZ and ALES-EA.
- Not checking the score type required by the target program.
- Assuming ALES alone guarantees admission.
- Ignoring foreign language, GPA, interview or announcement requirements.
- Giving up an academic goal because of one mock exam.
- Focusing on only one test when the target requires balance.
ALES can be a strong component, but graduate and academic applications usually evaluate the whole file: GPA, language, experience, interview and research or study goals.
Does this calculator give an official result?
No. The calculator gives an estimate from correct and wrong answers. The official result is the ALES result document published by ÖSYM.
For master’s, PhD or academic applications, check the official ÖSYM result and the conditions of the program or announcement you are applying to.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is the ALES score calculated?
Numerical and verbal net scores are calculated first, then converted into estimated ALES-SAY, ALES-SÖZ and ALES-EA scores. The official result is published by ÖSYM.
What is the difference between ALES-SAY, ALES-SÖZ and ALES-EA?
ALES-SAY is numerical-weighted, ALES-SÖZ is verbal-weighted and ALES-EA balances the two sections. The required type depends on the target program.
Is ALES enough for master’s admission?
Not always. GPA, foreign language, interview and program-specific requirements may also affect admission.
Is this my official ÖSYM ALES result?
No. This is an estimate. The official ALES result is the one published by ÖSYM.
How should I use an ALES mock exam result?
Compare numerical and verbal nets, identify whether time, reasoning or reading is the main issue, and adjust your study plan accordingly.