TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Armaan Khan]

I completely get why that feels frustrating. "Rolling” can be quite opaque from the outside, especially when you apply early and then hear nothing for weeks.

One thing to bear in mind is that for some rolling firms, applications can be reviewed in batches rather than strictly in order. That means your application may already have been looked at, but tests or next steps are sent out later once they’ve reached a certain point internally. Silence doesn’t mean you’re out, and it doesn’t mean you don’t still have a good chance.

Applying early does genuinely offer an advantage, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. In practice, it can mean your application is actually considered, rather than competing with a large volume submitted close to the deadline. For some firms, those later applications simply don’t get reviewed at all once capacity is reached, which is why firms still describe the process as rolling.

That doesn’t make the waiting any easier, but I wouldn’t read too much into radio silence at this stage. You’ve done the right thing by applying early, and it’s still very much a waiting game rather than a verdict.

Wishing you hear back with good news ASAP!

This is my first set of applications but I actually found this so useful. I have a bunch of firms that I am still waiting for and this gives me some reassurance that they haven’t forgotten about me hopefully I can hear back from them soon after the Christmas break.

 

[svb risk management intern]

How is Weil a selective stage 1 test? Like surely they can't understand your motivations for the firm based off an app that asks for work exp and grades?

And if it isn't stage 1 then how slow are they with sending out the batches. I mean I applied nov, and someone on the forum has got the test even though they applied near the deadline.

 

[yk1906]

How is Weil a selective stage 1 test? Like surely they can't understand your motivations for the firm based off an app that asks for work exp and grades?

And if it isn't stage 1 then how slow are they with sending out the batches. I mean I applied nov, and someone on the forum has got the test even though they applied near the deadline.

In an email they just said “you’ve met the requirements”, nothing like congrats or anything… so I assume it’s semi-automatic

 

[yk1906]

In an email they just said “you’ve met the requirements”, nothing like congrats or anything… so I assume it’s semi-automatic

“We are pleased to inform you that you meet our eligibility criteria.”

 

[svb risk management intern]

“We are pleased to inform you that you meet our eligibility criteria.”

In an email they just said “you’ve met the requirements”, nothing like congrats or anything… so I assume it’s semi-automatic

Alright well, im gonna write them off, and good luck to you for the test! I hear its tough

 

[DavidJC]

I think Weil only looks at grades before SJT + VI, at least for my VS app there was no option to put in Work Exp so I've just assumed it means meeting the grade thresholds

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

I think Weil only looks at grades before SJT + VI, at least for my VS app there was no option to put in Work Exp so I've just assumed it means meeting the grade thresholds

They also discretely added a ‘2:1 in all modules’ requirement on their website so I assume that’s a way for them to filter out people. Can’t see the firm sending the test to 2,000 applicants and then going through each one, unless they apply really high filters on the test scores or something. I saw one of their grad rec videos recently saying they’d be sending ACs around the new year. Guess it’ll just a matter of waiting until then.​

 

[johnsmith]

Any tips on how not to lose my mind over christmas knowing firms are going to be telling anyone anything until Jan

Take the break! Make the most of it. Ignore even thinking on it as nothing will be progressing for anyone.

 

[Donna Paulsen]

ES video interview - any tips or insights from anyone who has done it before? I am absolutely terrible at video interviews and want to be as prepared as possible I know it’s strengths-based but was wondering if it is entirely scenario questions or a mix of scenarios with anything else e.g. why the firm, why commercial law. Super nervous!

 

[johnsmith]

I got a rejection 23rd December last year.

GR are always working… sleep with one eye open

I don't think I've ever had a job where I'm not working up to Christmas Eve when I think about it.

 

[TortillaTC]

How is Weil a selective stage 1 test? Like surely they can't understand your motivations for the firm based off an app that asks for work exp and grades?

And if it isn't stage 1 then how slow are they with sending out the batches. I mean I applied nov, and someone on the forum has got the test even though they applied near the deadline.

I applied early November too and got the test today so they probably do batches instead of going chronologically. I was sure I'd get rejected yet received the test after all so I wouldn't give up just yet!

 

[TortillaTC]

They also discretely added a ‘2:1 in all modules’ requirement on their website so I assume that’s a way for them to filter out people. Can’t see the firm sending the test to 2,000 applicants and then going through each one, unless they apply really high filters on the test scores or something. I saw one of their grad rec videos recently saying they’d be sending ACs around the new year. Guess it’ll just a matter of waiting until then.​

Yes I saw that too, they say they're looking for a 2.1 but without multiple module grades below 60% - however, approximately 20% of my modules were 2.2 and I still got the test, but I had ECs+non-UK grading system so they might have assessed it differently

 

[luvfrompluto]

I have insight into Hogan Lovells and Freshfields second test. If anyone needs just drop a DM.

Hi, this is quite late but I would be very grateful if you're still willing to share! I wasn't able to access your profile so I'm replying here

 

[Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner]

Yes I saw that too, they say they're looking for a 2.1 but without multiple module grades below 60% - however, approximately 20% of my modules were 2.2 and I still got the test, but I had ECs+non-UK grading system so they might have assessed it differently

Yeah same here I think 4/18 of mine were 2:2 but was still progressed with ECs. I think my overall uni performance and final year average helped.​

 

[BobThebIlly]

How on earth did they justify basically giving no one a TC lmao whattt?

App it was evident that most applicant used ChatGPT to aid them during the app process which clearly became evident on the scheme

This is what I got from a friend who successfully got a TC last year on that scheme

 

[johnsmith]

I completely get why that feels frustrating. "Rolling” can be quite opaque from the outside, especially when you apply early and then hear nothing for weeks.

One thing to bear in mind is that for some rolling firms, applications can be reviewed in batches rather than strictly in order. That means your application may already have been looked at, but tests or next steps are sent out later once they’ve reached a certain point internally. Silence doesn’t mean you’re out, and it doesn’t mean you don’t still have a good chance.

Applying early does genuinely offer an advantage, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. In practice, it can mean your application is actually considered, rather than competing with a large volume submitted close to the deadline. For some firms, those later applications simply don’t get reviewed at all once capacity is reached, which is why firms still describe the process as rolling.

That doesn’t make the waiting any easier, but I wouldn’t read too much into radio silence at this stage. You’ve done the right thing by applying early, and it’s still very much a waiting game rather than a verdict.

Wishing you hear back with good news ASAP!

Lol at the username having testaccount in it - assume this must be some sort of AI user explains all the super lengthy posts that have started appearing

 

[jojo23]

Any tips on how not to lose my mind over christmas knowing firms are going to be telling anyone anything until Jan

Get wine drunk with your grandma or aunties.
Food comatose
Flip the table after your family brings out the board games (extra points if monopoly).
Mad bender on nye.


No, im not speaking from experience

 

[BobThebIlly]

They also discretely added a ‘2:1 in all modules’ requirement on their website so I assume that’s a way for them to filter out people. Can’t see the firm sending the test to 2,000 applicants and then going through each one, unless they apply really high filters on the test scores or something. I saw one of their grad rec videos recently saying they’d be sending ACs around the new year. Guess it’ll just a matter of waiting until then.​

That’s interesting. I got ABB at a level with a couple 2.2s in first year and one 2.2 in second year but they still progressed me to the assessment

I did have some MItC so maybe they really do consider it holistically

 

[c.t.tc]

Get wine drunk with your grandma or aunties.
Food comatose
Flip the table after your family brings out the board games (extra points if monopoly).
Mad bender on nye.


No, im not speaking from experience

Honestly loving the the range of options everyones giving me hahaha

 

[Trophy]

Lol at the username having testaccount in it - assume this must be some sort of AI user explains all the super lengthy posts that have started appearing

Yep although someone said it’s because tcla are hiring maybe this is some sort of test?
I do agree many have been lengthy asf and also very generic and broad not much personality or experience so gets tiring to read. I do wonder if the task was to write the longest response