TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[johnsmith]

I'm about to cry hahah I keep getting personal responsibility as my area for development - I don't think I'll be making it to the next stage AGAIN 😭 the irony is that, like you, I actively take on positions of responsibility irl and love seeking more work to take ownership of. Haha I think I will be getting a Latham PFO soon 😣

I made it to the next stage this time round with that as my development point! I'm going to come out and say I enjoyed the 2nd stage VIs despite the short prep times.

 

[johnsmith]

Taylor Wessing PFO 😭😭

Same! :/

 

[elle woods]

I made it to the next stage this time round with that as my development point! I'm going to come out and say I enjoyed the 2nd stage VIs despite the short prep times.

OK that's super good to know, thank you!! How long did they give you to do the test? I'm so scared for the VIs haha

 

[noahsmiit01]

Any tips on Freshfields VI?

 

[johnsmith]

OK that's super good to know, thank you!! How long did they give you to do the test? I'm so scared for the VIs haha

I had to have it done by midday Wednesday, I'm working all day tomorrow and Pinsent's AC Wednesday, so it had to be a this morning job!

 

[elle woods]

I had to have it done by midday Wednesday, I'm working all day tomorrow and Pinsent's AC Wednesday, so it had to be a this morning job!

Oh gosh! So they only give you 3 days to complete it? And good luck with you AC!

 

[johnsmith]

Oh gosh! So they only give you 3 days to complete it? And good luck with you AC!

Well no it came this morning so was basically 2 days.

 

[Amgrad]

You gotta bust out your yugioh cards like its 2007

Hey Yu-Gi-Oh is a strategic game, I don't think I'd lose as I have played that game occasionally just because it needs stronger connection so I can't play it like others 🤣

 

[TortillaTC]

Just finished RS’s test+VI: high verbal, mid numerical and 9763. If I felt like I did well on the VI, are these strong enough scores to make it to AC?

 

[yellowbirds008]

Hi!

If anyone particularly the future trainees in the thread could answer i’d be really grateful! I’ve got an AC coming up, and wondering that, if something came up in an interview where I didn’t know the answer, what would be an appropriate response?

 

[elle woods]

Well no it came this morning so was basically 2 days.

omg that's not a lot of time at all 😭

 

[Harvey Specter]

Hi all, how is strict is Goodwin with their A level requirement?

Idk if this applies to the VS/TC for sure but I only got an ABB-BBB in my A-levels and they offered me a place on their in person open day. I asked if I could apply to their VS/TC and they said that it would be perfectly fine to apply. I would point to the fact I flag as contextual and I had mitigating circumstances for my A-levels but at least they aren’t super strict with the cut off I guess.​

 

[elle woods]

Hi!

If anyone particularly the future trainees in the thread could answer i’d be really grateful! I’ve got an AC coming up, and wondering that, if something came up in an interview where I didn’t know the answer, what would be an appropriate response?

Sorry, not a future trainee (yet), but my advice would just be to be honest: "I'm not too sure on that point, but based on XY information, my best guess would be Z."
Usually, the interviewer will try their best to guide you in the right direction - they don't expect you to know everything, instead, what they want to see is how you think and react to such situations.

Best of luck with your upcoming AC!

 

[zonnonomo]

It really depends on what kind of games. I supposed men tend to do better because they play kind of games that requires memorisation, pattern, etc. women usually play games like the sims, city simulator, etc. I knew this is just stereotype, but I've seen women e-sport players too, but quite rare compared to men. Personally I like 5vs5 or MOBA games which measures teamwork and strategy, irrelevant skills for Arctic shores 😮‍💨

who said sims doesn't require pattern recognition ! u have to check out the conspiracy theories my dog-man has come up w 🕵️

also i see what ur saying but simultaneously think any interactive, online platform that requires some quick decision making has AS advantages even if the rapid Pew Pew required in pvp/shooter games just aggravates these benefits

also big up women; the esports community can be super toxic towards them in general or straight up treat them like shiny pokemon, so i dont find the rarity of women playing competitively any surprise

especially cause women are also on average just better than men at some of the things you mentioned (like memorisation; demonstrable by school tests results etcetc)

 

[zonnonomo]

Im mentally preparing to be ragebaited by the facial expressions task (they all look the same)...

choosing sadness for every face to show grad rec my inner, dark, twisted sigma mind 👹⛓️🐺😈🥀

 

[AngelB]

A&OS rejection post AC 🫡

 

[lelezb1]

Idk if this applies to the VS/TC for sure but I only got an ABB-BBB in my A-levels and they offered me a place on their in person open day. I asked if I could apply to their VS/TC and they said that it would be perfectly fine to apply. I would point to the fact I flag as contextual and I had mitigating circumstances for my A-levels but at least they aren’t super strict with the cut off I guess.​

Thank you!!

 

[e.jy336]

Can i ask how long after completing stage 1 did you get stage 2? Im a bit worried because I haven't even received my report from stage 1 yet?

Edit: 1 second after posting this question my report came in... lol - my question still stands though!

I haven't actually gotten my report yet but I got stage 2 pretty much 5 mins after I finished stage 1

 

[yk1906]

I could understand A-level requirements, but GCSEs? God, I was 14 when I sat an equivalent of GCSEs, I passed alright, but still, I was 14, come on 😂 😂

 

[elle woods]

I haven't actually gotten my report yet but I got stage 2 pretty much 5 mins after I finished stage 1

oh... it's been a good few days since I finished stage 1... should I be worried 😭 that's crazy fast