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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

So guys, I have my AC tomorrow and I'm steaming my shirt when I notice the collar has a microscopic little spot on it. It could honestly seem like fuzz. Is this fine and I'm overthinking it? (My blazer is going over the collar and I have really long hair) I can't attach a photo for some reason 😭
 
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So I did the Mishcon SJT and got this on the 4 pillars, did I absolutely bomb it?View attachment 7841
I got basically the same numbers, just different categories if its any consolation hahaha. Im wondering if they are only using these scores to progress to the AC or if its still taken into account with the AI test answers/grades and work experience on the written app
 
thank you both this is really helpful!
Definitely look at all options. I have a one week scheme coming up, and have booked a travelodge which only cost me £400 in central london for 6 nights sunday-saturday. This isn't a summer scheme so student accom and airbnbs are less available, but even if those that are I'd still rather a hotel. Don't have to worry about clean sheets, safety, sharing a bathroom or anything like that. Of course for a longer scheme you might prefer something more permanent with your own kitchen etc

For me the firm is providing £200 towards accom, in addition to £600 pay for the week which isn't bad at all. But yeah some firms don't cover anything. I had a 3 week scheme last year, payed just over £500 per week, with no additional support for accommodation. Pretty much everyone who didn't live in London ended up many hundreds out of pocket.
 
not sure if this is a silly question but does anyone have any idea about how accomodation works on vac schemes?

Hey! For my winter vac they didn’t specifically mention that they’d cover accommodation but I asked them if they’d have any recommendations and then they offered then and there to pay for my hotel! So definitely ask even if it’s not something they specifically promote :)
 
So guys, I have my AC tomorrow and I'm steaming my shirt when I notice the collar has a microscopic little spot on it. It could honestly seem like fuzz. Is this fine and I'm overthinking it? (My blazer is going over the collar and I have really long hair) I can't attach a photo for some reason 😭
If anecdoatal evidence helps you, I went into an AC without taking the tag off my blazer. I got the VS.

You want to give a good impression, sure, but as long as the partner/associate is not an idiot they will judge you on what you say not what you look like.
 
So guys, I have my AC tomorrow and I'm steaming my shirt when I notice the collar has a microscopic little spot on it. It could honestly seem like fuzz. Is this fine and I'm overthinking it? (My blazer is going over the collar and I have really long hair) I can't attach a photo for some reason 😭
I would say you are absolutely fine, as long as it's not clearly Dorito dust collected over seven days of wearing the shirt without washing it! Just don't be self-conscious about it, like don't keep touching it or covering it up. Quite honestly, if you're going to travel on the tube, a microscopic little spot on the collar of your shirt is the least you can expect. I've worked in pretty corporate environments, and I absolutely hate it when people just kind of coast through their workwear choices (looking at you, guys who buy a five-pack of shirts and wear them until they are translucent). And I would never judge someone for a smudge that can and will happen by just being alive in a huge city. If you had yellow stains under your arms - yeah, that's bad, please make an effort and get it properly cleaned. But a smudge on the collar of your steamed shirt? Thank you for steaming, don't worry about the tiny spot.
 
I got basically the same numbers, just different categories if its any consolation hahaha. Im wondering if they are only using these scores to progress to the AC or if its still taken into account with the AI test answers/grades and work experience on the written app
I got the same numbers in different categories too. Hope it’s just the numbers😭 my AI chat was a shocker.. which is why I believe everybody was advanced to SJT
 
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anyone who has done Jones Day AC this cycle or previous cycle, could u please give some tips/insights into the group exercise? is it more debate oriented or presentation vibes? also is the interview the same as the online one/how does it differ?
 

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