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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

elle woods

Legendary Member
Dec 4, 2025
674
1,519
Any advice on how to handle not being offered a TC following a VS with your dream firm? I genuinely feel heartbroken right now and am struggling to lock back into prepping for upcoming interviews and ACs..

Firstly, I am so sorry 😢 I understand the feeling of being abandoned by your dream firm...it's quite the disappointment and betrayal. Let yourself feel what you need to, cry, shout, scream, do whatever you need to overcome the emotions. Treat yourself to a well-deserved break or pamper day. I tend to snack and watch my favourite comfort cartoons haha.

Don't put too much pressure on yourself to rebound immediately. Pushing through without acknowledging your feelings can lead to burnout in the long run. I just want to say that the firm really lost out on a star! Getting to the vac scheme is an AMAZING accomplishment, and I have no doubt you really deserved that TC. It's just such a pity it's so competitive these days. But this experience will make you stronger, more resilient, and offer you an advantage going forward!

The fact you have ACs coming up is testimony in itself to how amazing you are, so don't you go doubting yourself! I am a big believer that if we've tried our best, and things still don't work out, then that means life has something better in store for us. You never know, you may end up loving it at another place after these ACs! I understand feeling demotivated, but to put it in dating terminology lol: don't let one bad fish (moment or result) stop you or ruin your chances with other fish out there 🎣!

I am your biggest fangirl ever (iykyk) and I really wish success for you! I know it's really difficult right now, but I trust you will be able to push through and come out the other side an absolute legend. I cannot wait for the day you become a trainee at a firm you like (the same or if not more), you better save me a coffee chat!!! ( :p lol haha jk)

🫂🫂🫂 offering you lots of hugs and comfort! take care of yourself and power forward with confidence 💗

kitty kiss GIF
 
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Novaa

Legendary Member
Dec 2, 2022
298
1,149
Any advice on how to handle not being offered a TC following a VS with your dream firm? I genuinely feel heartbroken right now and am struggling to lock back into prepping for upcoming interviews and ACs..
Hey!! As someone who’s been in this situation, I know it can feel like the world is ending (I cried so much we had to have a family meeting LOL).

But I just want you to know that you are amazing, and the fact that you made it through such a competitive process is a testament in itself. So many decisions go into these things, and without being part of grad recruitment, we’ll never know how close it really was.

What you do know is that you’re just one step away from that TC. If you’ve had (or will have) a feedback call, really leverage that opportunity, understand where you performed well and where there may be areas for development. Reach out to your trainee buddy too and see what advice they have.

Take a break if you need to, reflect on the feedback, and then go into your next applications using this VS as supporting evidence of your existing skills and show how you’ve taken steps to grow even further.

You’ve got this, and I can’t wait to see you announcing that you’ve got a TC!!

Pointing At You Fx Networks GIF by The Bear
 

Novaa

Legendary Member
Dec 2, 2022
298
1,149
I just tried to do a WG for a firm, but instead of 25% extra time (so 125% total), they just gave me 25% of the regular time LOL
I sound like a broken record LOL, but the way firms have approached accessibility this cycle is very disappointing…

EDIT: LOL just to confirm, they gave you 7.5 minutes as opposed to 37.5 minutes??!

Disappointed World Cup GIF by Goldmaster
 

FoodieMcFoodieBigBack

Standard Member
Jan 15, 2026
7
13
Does anyone here know whether Weil is running ACs beyond the immediate next week? They sent me an email yesterday inviting me to an AC, but the only available date is this coming Monday but I have an immovable class/tutorial on Monday. I was busy writing exams in person the whole of yesterday, so by the time I saw the email it was outside working hours and I couldn't reach gradrec to ask for alternative dates.
 

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