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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

3000to1shoteverytime

Legendary Member
Dec 9, 2023
257
338
Hi everyone, I’m hoping to get some guidance.

I’m currently pursuing an LLM in the UK, and I did my undergraduate law degree in India. My issue is how to address my academic grades in applications. My overall percentage is 57%, which looks quite low by UK standards. However, my university had a very strict marking system—60% is considered a first class, and 55–60% falls into the “high second class,” which can roughly correspond to a 2:1 in the UK. Despite the percentage, I was ranked 6th out of a batch of over 300 students, and I have a letter from my university confirming this.

I’ve also done over 36 months' worth of internships, won several moots, and have a strong profile in terms of practical experience.

According to TCLA’s review, my application (cover letter, commercial awareness responses, etc.) was good, so I’m wondering if the grades are possibly hurting my chances.

How should I address this in my future applications? Should I include a brief explanation in the cover letter or attach the university’s grading policy?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
There is a mitigating circumstances box for grades so I would explain the scoring system there if there is no other obvious space. As it is a degree already awarded you can at least state 2.1 achieved.
 

livelaughlawve

Star Member
  • Jan 24, 2022
    44
    45
    I'm curious as to why apply and get that far, and then be unable to make it? Out of curiosity.

    Like, I wouldn't apply for a job in Australia if I could not attend the required in-person job interview.
    Great question:
    1. Nowhere did it say their process was in-person only.
    2. In the wake of covid, being unable to accommodate things to be online is not an unrealistic expectation, or not automatically having an "online alternative" assessment day (as many other firms do). Many other firms of the same level and global reach do this.
    3. It could be said that if I clearly state in my application that I live overseas, why did the firm invite me? Or, as they have said that they are open to overseas candidates, it would only be logical to offer online alternatives or for me to assume that they would do so.
     

    farrow

    Star Member
  • Apr 23, 2025
    40
    69
    Great question:
    1. Nowhere did it say their process was in-person only.
    2. In the wake of covid, being unable to accommodate things to be online is not an unrealistic expectation, or not automatically having an "online alternative" assessment day (as many other firms do). Many other firms of the same level and global reach do this.
    3. It could be said that if I clearly state in my application that I live overseas, why did the firm invite me? Or, as they have said that they are open to overseas candidates, it would only be logical to offer online alternatives or for me to assume that they would do so.
    Hope you find the outcome you can make peace and are happy with. :)
     
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    D

    Deleted member 17013

    Guest
    Great question:
    1. Nowhere did it say their process was in-person only.
    2. In the wake of covid, being unable to accommodate things to be online is not an unrealistic expectation, or not automatically having an "online alternative" assessment day (as many other firms do). Many other firms of the same level and global reach do this.
    3. It could be said that if I clearly state in my application that I live overseas, why did the firm invite me? Or, as they have said that they are open to overseas candidates, it would only be logical to offer online alternatives or for me to assume that they would do so.
    IMG_3419.jpeg
    To me this suggested it was in-person but I would’ve emailed to ask 🤷
     
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    radssss

    Legendary Member
    Aug 16, 2024
    628
    915
    I really hope you get it too! 31 May - when I booked there was only one slot available but I am sure they are planning to invite more to ACs!
    Congratulations and thank you for letting us know! I almost lost hope but then I applied on 17 July (I hope it’s not too late), hopefully some positive news soon 🤞🏻

    Best of luck for your AC!!
     
    • 🤝
    Reactions: helloj

    👩🎓

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
    Oct 31, 2023
    181
    108
    Hi all!

    I wondered if anyone knows about Watson Glaser percentiles - is the percentile your score as a percentage? I know it is a comparison as to how you performed against your norm group but if anyone had any info on this, then I would really appreciate it!
     

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