TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[Donuttime]

Reed smith test and VI! Is this automatic or do they read the app first?

 

[BealMcAlly]

Reed smith test and VI! Is this automatic or do they read the app first?

I've attended a few of their events and they said multiple times they review before the test and then don't look at them again.

Well done!

 

[BealMcAlly]

Reed smith test and VI! Is this automatic or do they read the app first?

Make sure to take your time with the amberjack, everyone I know who's done it says this was a hard one - I can also confirm. Hah

 

[iiippp123445]

I wonder how Bakers expect people to do the AC on the 9th if they don’t reply by today legit will be like 2/3 days notice 😭

This is what I'm thinking aha

 

[ninarosee]

Quantity does improve odds, but without quality then quantity is pretty useless. To get through early stages, the application needs to stand out - and I guess unless you can do this at a big quantity, then it's better to take more time.

It’s so interesting because the applications I spent the least time on, and that weren’t particularly well researched, ended up getting the most positive responses. Meanwhile, the ones where I really took my time, did loads of research, completed FYS, attended open days, etc., haven’t been successful at all.

I do think quality is important, but I don’t think it matters all the time. That definitely hasn’t been the case for me, and I think quite a few other people have experienced the same thing.

I also wonder if luck plays a huge role. Maybe it’s not always about how many applications you submit or how strong they are, but factors outside your control, like applying at the right time, your application being read by the right person, or even mentioning a detail that happens to resonate with the reviewer.

 

[radssss]

It’s so interesting because the applications I spent the least time on, and that weren’t particularly well researched, ended up getting the most positive responses. Meanwhile, the ones where I really took my time, did loads of research, completed FYS, attended open days, etc., haven’t been successful at all.

I do think quality is important, but I don’t think it matters all the time. That definitely hasn’t been the case for me, and I think quite a few other people have experienced the same thing.

I also wonder if luck plays a huge role. Maybe it’s not always about how many applications you submit or how strong they are, but factors outside your control, like applying at the right time, your application being read by the right person, or even mentioning a detail that happens to resonate with the reviewer.

I agree with you!

 

[elle woods]

It’s so interesting because the applications I spent the least time on, and that weren’t particularly well researched, ended up getting the most positive responses. Meanwhile, the ones where I really took my time, did loads of research, completed FYS, attended open days, etc., haven’t been successful at all.

I do think quality is important, but I don’t think it matters all the time. That definitely hasn’t been the case for me, and I think quite a few other people have experienced the same thing.

I also wonder if luck plays a huge role. Maybe it’s not always about how many applications you submit or how strong they are, but factors outside your control, like applying at the right time, your application being read by the right person, or even mentioning a detail that happens to resonate with the reviewer.

I agree with you - this has been my experience too for most of my applications

 

[TheSaulGoodman]

Jheeze Akin selective online test invite! I sent my app mid Dec (13th - 15th).​

Big congrats🎉 - did you apply for spring or summer?

 

[M85672]

I haven’t even submitted the Milbank test, I don’t know why I got happy seeing an email from them. Can confirm the email said, “Hurry! This expires soon - You have until Tuesday to complete!”

 

[anon78365222111]

Big congrats🎉 - did you apply for spring or summer?

They only have a spring vac I believe

 

[M_m]

Reed smith test and VI! Is this automatic or do they read the app first?

Congratulations! As far as I know, they read your app first and then shortlist for the test. Could I ask when you submitted your application?

 

[maylawwww]

hellur ppl just a little check-in has anyone heard from:
Cooley Spring
Withers Summer (post test)
HFW spring post app
Addleshaw London VS post VI
TW spring post WE
Dechert Summer post app
WFW spring post VI
OC post test

 

[Donna Paulsen]

hellur ppl just a little check-in has anyone heard from:
Cooley Spring
Withers Summer (post test)
HFW spring post app
Addleshaw London VS post VI
TW spring post WE
Dechert Summer post app
WFW spring post VI
OC post test

I’ve not heard from OC post test

 

[Harvey Specter]

hellur ppl just a little check-in has anyone heard from:
Cooley Spring
Withers Summer (post test)
HFW spring post app
Addleshaw London VS post VI
TW spring post WE
Dechert Summer post app
WFW spring post VI
OC post test

Cooley said we’d hear back by mid Jan (15th), so we’ll all defo have heard back by next Fri!​

 

[Donuttime]

Congratulations! As far as I know, they read your app first and then shortlist for the test. Could I ask when you submitted your application?

18th Dec!

 

[boots pharmacy]

hellur ppl just a little check-in has anyone heard from:
Cooley Spring
Withers Summer (post test)
HFW spring post app
Addleshaw London VS post VI
TW spring post WE
Dechert Summer post app
WFW spring post VI
OC post test

Received Dechert WE today

 

[johnsmith]

Cooley said we’d hear back by mid Jan (15th), so we’ll all defo have heard back by next Fri!​

Thanks for sharing this informatiion Harvey 💪

 

[James Wakefield]

Thanks for sharing this informatiion Harvey 💪

Cooley got back to people around 9pm on the Friday last year so don’t panic if you’re still waiting on the day too!

 

[maylawwww]

Received Dechert WE today

omg well done huge congrats!! I assume this is summer also but could I ask when you applied?

 

[Rosie_Kitten]

It’s so interesting because the applications I spent the least time on, and that weren’t particularly well researched, ended up getting the most positive responses. Meanwhile, the ones where I really took my time, did loads of research, completed FYS, attended open days, etc., haven’t been successful at all.

I do think quality is important, but I don’t think it matters all the time. That definitely hasn’t been the case for me, and I think quite a few other people have experienced the same thing.

I also wonder if luck plays a huge role. Maybe it’s not always about how many applications you submit or how strong they are, but factors outside your control, like applying at the right time, your application being read by the right person, or even mentioning a detail that happens to resonate with the reviewer.

Luck plays a role, but also writing style and demonstrating your qualities. The content does matter of course, but so does how you present the content, particuarly for the ones with many long form questions.
Edit: I also imagine creativity plays a (small) part both in chosen content, subjects etc. Especially as many copy/paste or AI applications will inevitably be super similar to each other.