TARSUS AMERICAN COLLEGE - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Questions About Registration Process:
What is the admission score of TAC for 2023-2024?
The admission score for 2023-2024 is 438.
What is the total quota of the prep class for 2023-2024?
The totall number of students to be admitted through the LGS exam is 120.
Is the prep year compulsory?
Yes, the preparatory year is compulsory. This program can be described as the "preparation year for high school life" when, in addition to the academic program, expected student behavior, qualifications and skills are taught and developed.
What lessons are included in the prep program?
An intensive English program, Second Foreign Language (German, French), Turkish, Science, Mathematics, Visual Arts, Physical Education, Music, Information Technologies and Homeroom courses are offered in the prep year.
Is there a boarding opportunity?
Yes, there is. Tarsus American College has a dormitory with a total capacity of 144 students. Currently we have 66 female and 78 male students living in our dormitories.
Can we visit the school before registration?
You can call the school to make an appointment to visit the campus.
Will there be an Open House this year?
The date of the Open House will be announced on our website. An online school tour is shared on our website.
Will the registrations take place at the school?
Yes, the detailed information in the Guidelines for School Admissions will be shared on the school website.
How do we complete the pre-registration?
On the days specified in the 2024-2025 Guidelines for School Admissions, please visit the website to click on the link for the pre-registration application form which will be active.
What was the score of the last student admitted to TAC last year?
For 2023-2024 academic year, TAC admitted students from the top 7,57 percentile nationwide for boys and top 8,07 percentile for girls.
Is there a separate quota for boys and girls?
Yes. 60 female and 60 male students are admitted.
What should be done if someone other than the parents wants to complete the enrolment procedures?
In the event that the formalities are to be complete by individuals other than the mother or father for the student, a power of attorney issued by the legal parents of the student will be required. If the parents are divorced, registration must be completed by the parent who holds the legal custody. In both cases, the custodial authorization or a power of attorney must be presented at the time of signing the enrolment contract.
What is the course of action in the event that the power of attorney is granted to multiple people?
When the power of attorney is to be issued to more than one person for registration purposes, the names of all individuals concerned can be listed under a single power of attorney. However, those who will complete the procedures with a power of attorney should present the original version of the document. (Photocopies will not be accepted.)
If we would like to transfer to another school after registration, how do we withdraw the enrollment?
If you want to transfer to another school after registration (outside of the transfer period), the steps are as follows:
● The parent or the individual who holds a power of attorney for registration submits a signed petition to the school or sends it by e-mail.
● The registration of the student is canceled in the e-Okul system, the new school completes the enrolment process by pulling the student's name from the e-Okul system.
Are there any deductions from the deposited amount in case of withdrawal?
As per the provision in Article 56 of the Ministry of Education Regulation for Private Schools, the yearly tuition fee, with a deduction of 10%, will be refunded to those who withdraw their enrolment before the start of the academic year while 10% of the tuition fee plus the amount calculated for days the student received education will be retained in cases where the enrolment is withdrawn after the start of the academic year.
Who eligible to withdraw a student's enrolment?
Individuals the details for whom are specified above who are authorized for enrolment can complete the withdrawal of enrolment process.
How is the tuition fee paid? Is there an option to pay by credit card?
During the registration period, Yapı Kredi Bank officers will be present at our school. Options for payment transactions are presented below:
Cash Payment:
If this payment option is preferred, the total tuition fee can be deposited to Yapı Kredi Bank account by bank transfer or credit card.
Payment by Installments
Payments by installments is possible provided that Worldcard credit cards are used.
Payments in installments can be made via Yapı Kredi Bank Overdraft Account (TEST). The down payment can be deposited to Yapı Kredi Bank account by transfer or credit card.
How does the process regarding school uniforms, textbooks, meals and service buses work?
The school uniform can be obtained from the school store located on campus and via the website which will be shared with you. Regarding book orders, detailed information will be available in the document to be shared with our parents after the completion of enrolment procedures.
Information about meals and service buses will also be shared later via e-mail.
Questions related to TAC’s academic system and offerings
What is the “TAC difference”?
As one of the four SEV American high schools of the Health and Education Foundation, Tarsus American College was established in 1888. Other high schools (Üsküdar American Academy, American Collegiate Institute in İzmir and SEV American College) are long-established educational institutions which have existed since the mid-1800s. Drawing from a wealth of expertise of over 130 years, TAC is run by a highly-experienced and qualified staff. Academic staff are recruited from Turkish and international candidates, based on their academic and individual competencies. At TAC, our students who learn English as the primary foreign language and German and French as a second foreign language options besides Turkish as a mother tongue perform successfully in the international language exams such as TOEFL, IELTS, SAT and European Language Passport. TAC is also known for its support and participation in science events (TUBITAK Competitions, CERN visit, international exams, science seminars, science fairs). Technology at TAC is part of education: all classrooms have a SmartBoard and teachers use their laptops in lessons. The university journey, which starts in the 9th grade, is guided by the university counselors who help students in every step of the way towards reaching their goals. Students who have first-hand information about schools in Turkey and abroad through fairs, school visits and career days choose the school which suits their abilities and goals, and complete the application and registration procedures with the help of their advisors. Being involved in these activities which help them invest in a rewarding post-secondary path, students lead a happy academic life in an environment for which they have a sense of belonging. At the same time, they prepare for the future by taking on social roles, developing self-confidence, teamwork and leadership skills.
Tarsus American College emphasizes maintaining an innovative approach built on the deep-rooted, 1,5 century-old academic tradition of the Health and Education Foundation and is known for its many accomplishments in a very short time. In today’s world where scientific and technological, as well as the social changes are at a rapid pace, the mission of TAC is to contribute to the growth of individuals who are well-rounded, self-confident, creative and who have a strong sense of responsibility.
Is there an IB Diploma Programme option? What is the scope?
TAC was authorized as an "IB World School" in May 2004. This program offers a combination of academic balance, depth and breadth as students can choose six subjects from six different groups, three of which can be taken at High Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL).
How about the teaching staff?
In the 2024-2025 academic year, we have 82 teachers teaching at Tarsus American College. International teachers teach English and other courses. The academic staff places emphasis on developing student ability to solve the multi-layered problems which they will encounter in their academic life as well as their professional careers and social lives. To this end, they encourage students to take part in many activities which help them develop problem solving skills, sense of responsibility and prepare them for the future.
Is the TAC sports complex open to the use of all students?
TAC offers a sports complex for a variety of sports which students can use for fitness, pilates, basketball, tennis, volleyball, football, and table tennis. The indoor sports hall is open both weekdays and weekends for practice so that students understand the importance of sports for health, learn about teamwork and develop leadership skills.
What are extracurricular activities?
One of the most important parts of being a student of Tarsus American College is involvement in community service, clubs and extracurricular activities. There are nearly 50 clubs in the fields of science, art, culture and social studies which help students to learn about themselves and discover their strengths. Students can also open their own clubs if they wish.
Are all lessons taught in English?
Lessons other than the Turkish cultural courses and applied courses are taught in English.
What are the second foreign language options and what are the levels of education?
German, French and Spanish are available as second foreign language options. Second foreign language is offered for four hours a week in prep, 9th and 10th grades. Our students have the opportunity to explore these cultures, reaching a certain level of fluency by the time they graduate from TAC. They have the opportunity to document their language skills by taking international language proficiency exams for their level. The international French exam is DELF and is offered in A2- B1 levels, while for German, TELC is offered in A2 and Goethe-Zertifikat in B1 level. International proficiency exam for Spanish is DELE which is offered at A2 level.
What kind of support is provided to students in their career planning?
TAC offers various programs which enable students to make the right choices aligned by their future goals by pursuing career options which suit their interests, abilities and academic qualifications during their high school career. Career counseling services are provided by Turkish and international university counseling departments. Career Day is organized annually with the participation of TAC graduates, which is a traditional event.
What is BYOAD, a program offered in your school?
BYOAD (Bring your own Apple Device) is a 1:1 learning model in which students bring their personal Apple devices to school for learning purposes. Using digital tools and resources, students can collaborate, produce, share and actively participate in activities.
Do students generally prefer to attend a university in Turkey or abroad?
The countries, departments and universities preferred by TAC graduates vary each year according to the student areas of interest and preference. Click here for 2020-2022 University Placement Results for the last three years (Let’s ask the most current one (2023) from Ecesu Hanım)
Is it a standard practice that each student takes part in for community service projects?
One of the goals of Tarsus American College is to enable student to "participate fully in democratic processes and philanthropic organizations as part of lifelong service to humanity". Both academic and extracurricular outreach programs to benefit the community is an important part of the school's legacy. All students are expected to take an active role in community service projects and encouraged to develop and conduct their own projects by the time they graduate. During the year, all students from prep to grade 12 are expected to be involved in community service projects.
Can students benefit from TAC's alumni network?
Thanks to the SEVConnect platform customized for TAC graduates, young graduates can build contact with former TAC graduates in the country where they study from the first day of graduation, receive mentorship from experienced graduates regarding their sector, area of expertise and company-based advice, apply for internship / job postings on the platform, and keep updated about the activities for graduates as they join SEV's alumni network of 20,000.
In addition, TAC's IB students join the network of over one million IB alumni from 150 different countries around the world. The IB organization, which spans 156 countries, brings individuals from around the world from different cultural backgrounds. With over one million graduates from around the world to date, IB programmes encourage students around the world to grow as active, compassionate, open-minded lifelong learners who understand individual differences.
For more information about the network of IB graduates, please visit https://www.ibo.org/ib-graduates/
What is the average class size?
Our average class size for the 2024-2025 academic year is in the range of 16-24.