TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[summersun]

The firm I interviewed with literally based it only on my interview performance because I was ‘lacking commercial awareness’ despite performing really well during the scheme. It’s the worst feeling and I really get you about working and doing VIs. I did my interview for RS yesterday after a full day at my job which I hate anyway so the mood was not right😭😭

Also mostly failed to convert last year because of my final interview so completely get it... (cried in the bathroom after my interview as I had a sense I had failed )

 

[ellamai0]

Also, hate to be that guy but does anyone know around when firms like Mishcon (spring) and HSF (summer) get back regarding assessment centre invites after someone does their tests? Really hoping I don't have to wait until mid February

I’m still waiting to hear back about HSFK Spring so I wouldn’t be surprised if it was mid feb.

 

[spamelinazoid]

See, THAT is entrepreneurship and originality they better give you that AC

Usings lots of creative force

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

how bad is applying on deadline day?

I apply for basically everything on the deadline and so far my apps have gone through fine from the firms that responded

 

[helenaskelton]

The firm I interviewed with literally based it only on my interview performance because I was ‘lacking commercial awareness’ despite performing really well during the scheme. It’s the worst feeling and I really get you about working and doing VIs. I did my interview for RS yesterday after a full day at my job which I hate anyway so the mood was not right😭😭

Anyone on here got any advice to do well in exit interviews / be more ‘commercially aware’. They tend to really rip you apart in these final final ones so I am also wanting to know what to do LOL

 

[Gottagetthroughthis101]

Anyone on here got any advice to do well in exit interviews / be more ‘commercially aware’. They tend to really rip you apart in these final final ones so I am also wanting to know what to do LOL

I would also like to know!! @Afraz Akhtar ??

 

[radssss]

how bad is applying on deadline day?

not bad at all if it’s non rolling. I’ve also progressed with rolling firms after applying on the deadline day so give it a shot if you have the time to do a quality app

 

[Novaa]

how bad is applying on deadline day?

Honestly, it depends as my first vac scheme was one I applied to on deadline day. You got this twin 😍

 

[trainee4u]

Just realised that I used AI in an application in which I supposedly assured that I had not in the declaration. Yet somehow haven’t had a PFO yet many many others have. Any advice here? Thanksss

It's unlikely that firms will use automated AI detection tools, because they don't work.

IME using AI it creates horrid prose with certain patterns like

• lots of unnecessary adverbs like "genuinely multispecialist"
• "matches how I work best"
• "intersection of X and Y"
• "combines X with Y"

I am sure if you are in recruitment and you come across these kind of patterns you just click "reject", without going to check an AI detector (which doesn't work).

OTOH if you use AI and edit out the repetitive AI quirks, they are not going to notice.

 

[Donuttime]

Cooley this aint cool. holding my breath waiting for a response

 

[Prudentia]

Sorry what is the second stage?

Watson Glaser.

 

[abcdefg12]

People have gotten WFW ACs?

 

[SubpoenaColada]

Unrelated but I am SO excited for One Piece Season 2!! Anyone else?

 

[ACHat8r]

for those who have heard nothing from certain firms, just relax. Ik its hard but some of you have exams or just distract yourself with your friends, tv etc. (i say that as someone who expects rejection every time a firm emails me and then is shocked when I've progressed to the next stage. Tbf I recommend this method if you can handle it)

 

[Bbhu19]

Weil AC!!!!

Congratulations!! Can I ask what your amber jack was? And when you took it

 

[flamingocelot]

Hi, I went to a top 10 Russell group uni too and my uni was also too strict with grades (to a point that there were students dropping out and having mental health issues) I have had a few 2:2 modules and graduated with a mid 2:1. If it comforts you, I have progressed with silver circle and a few us firms too.
Don’t give up! Most firms look at more than just grades! Ofc there are some firms like Kirkland which focus too much on grades so I avoid applying there just to not waste my time.

Sounds just like my uni, wonder if it's the same one😭 thank u for the reassurance

 

[confusedbird]

Anyone on here got any advice to do well in exit interviews / be more ‘commercially aware’. They tend to really rip you apart in these final final ones so I am also wanting to know what to do LOL

Do you mean the case study type client scenario questions or the news story type questions?

 

[helenaskelton]

Client scenarios…eughhhh they are my WORST nightmare because they’re different each time

 

[SubpoenaColada]

Hi! Do you guys think ChatGPT is a reliable source to practice the WG test? I’ve been using it to come up with mock tests, but sometimes I find its reasoning odd and I’m a little worried it’s making me worse lol

Relatedly, anyone knows of any reliable practice tests beyond this mock one by CC?

I've tried to see if ChatGPT would get the answers right when I've done practice tests and I already know the answer, and it doesn't So I personally don't find it helpful cause I think the reasoning could be flawed BUT what I do find helpful is asking Chat why I could've gotten answers wrong after explicitly telling it the answer. I do find that helpful in correcting my mistakes!

 

[radssss]

Sounds just like my uni, wonder if it's the same one😭 thank u for the reassurance

I’d just say it out loud atp because it was on the news as well - warwick😭 (I did law)