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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

avantika_s

New Member
Premium Member
Nov 21, 2022
2
1
Hi everyone! I am struggling to figure out how to structure the following question:
'If you were asked to write an article for one of our sectors or practice areas, what topic would you choose and why?' (200 words)

Is this asking us to explain why a topic within a particular area captures our interest while showing commercial awareness? Do we have to explain 'why' in terms of the topic being something the firm's clients are interested in, or something we are interested in writing?
 
Reactions: Afraz Akhtar

WillKitchen

Distinguished Member
  • Aug 28, 2025
    63
    145
    Hi everyone! I am struggling to figure out how to structure the following question:
    'If you were asked to write an article for one of our sectors or practice areas, what topic would you choose and why?' (200 words)

    Is this asking us to explain why a topic within a particular area captures our interest while showing commercial awareness? Do we have to explain 'why' in terms of the topic being something the firm's clients are interested in, or something we are interested in writing?
    Personally, I identified an area I was passionate about and then made a connection to one of the firm's key practice areas. When writing an article (I've published many, online and in print), it has to come from a place of personal interest.
     

    jamieclarke

    Distinguished Member
    Dec 30, 2021
    74
    81
    well it was 24 questions in 36 mins - but that is very deceptive once you actually look at the types of questions you’re being asked. multi-step maths calculations and deductive reasoning with lots of dates and sequence like structures. the questions get harder as you progress.
    Maybe you aren’t supposed to complete them all - just the more you correctly complete the better
     
    • ℹ️
    Reactions: trainee4u and Donna Paulsen

    Rosie_Kitten

    Star Member
    Dec 26, 2025
    46
    80
    well it was 24 questions in 36 mins - but that is very deceptive once you actually look at the types of questions you’re being asked. multi-step maths calculations and deductive reasoning with lots of dates and sequence like structures. the questions get harder as you progress.
    I can't say without seeing them, but probably there were some sneaky tricks to some of the questions without necessarily requiring you to complete calculations (rapid processes of elimination/data cancelling / mathematical improbabilities from the data given) - assuming it was a multiple choice question.

    Of course, it could just be an insanely difficult test that very few people can complete in time/ with accuracy.
     

    johnsmith

    Legendary Member
  • Oct 2, 2025
    387
    580
    I can't say without seeing them, but probably there were some sneaky tricks to some of the questions without necessarily requiring you to complete calculations (rapid processes of elimination/data cancelling / mathematical improbabilities from the data given) - assuming it was a multiple choice question.

    Of course, it could just be an insanely difficult test that very few people can complete in time/ with accuracy.
    I feel with amberjack after doing it a couple of times you definitely spot shortcuts on the maths questions!
     

    lawyersum

    Legendary Member
    Jun 28, 2024
    305
    516
    I can't say without seeing them, but probably there were some sneaky tricks to some of the questions without necessarily requiring you to complete calculations (rapid processes of elimination/data cancelling / mathematical improbabilities from the data given) - assuming it was a multiple choice question.

    Of course, it could just be an insanely difficult test that very few people can complete in time/ with accuracy.
    Believe me, I would love it if that were the case, but it was just an insanely difficult test. It was an SHL test.
    I feel with amberjack after doing it a couple of times you definitely spot shortcuts on the maths questions!
    I say that having done A Level maths and also having seen the questions for the admissions test for medical school in the UK (my sibling is applying to med school) and the questions in this test were on par if not harder than them.
     

    trainee4u

    Legendary Member
    Sep 7, 2023
    403
    782
    Believe me, I would love it if that were the case, but it was just an insanely difficult test. It was an SHL test.

    I say that having done A Level maths and also having seen the questions for the admissions test for medical school in the UK (my sibling is applying to med school) and the questions in this test were on par if not harder than them.
    They have lots of practice tests on their website.
    It's a tough test and time management is key - for example, you should just choose an answer and move on if you are short on time.
     

    johnsmith

    Legendary Member
  • Oct 2, 2025
    387
    580
    Believe me, I would love it if that were the case, but it was just an insanely difficult test. It was an SHL test.

    I say that having done A Level maths and also having seen the questions for the admissions test for medical school in the UK (my sibling is applying to med school) and the questions in this test were on par if not harder than them.
    Yes if it’s the SHL maths they were step up from other maths orientated questions I’ve seen.
     

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