A Levels

[ML07]

Incoming classics student at UCL, with A*BBB in A Levels. I’m aiming for a first, but I’m worried my A Levels will hold me back for magic circle firms.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Incoming classics student at UCL, with A*BBB in A Levels. I’m aiming for a first, but I’m worried my A Levels will hold me back for magic circle firms.

Hi!

I would try not to worry too much. While some Magic Circle firms do have A-Level requirements (for example, I believe Slaughter and May asks for at least AAB), the others generally do not have strict A-Level cut-offs and instead look at your overall academic record. In fact, the fact you got an A* may mean that you'd still meet their AAB requirements overall (but I'd perhaps double-check with past applicants or the graduate recruitment team).

Given your grades, I think you are still in a strong position, particularly if you go on to achieve a 2:1 or first at UCL. Strong university performance can go a long way in demonstrating your academic ability, and firms will also be looking at your work experience, extracurriculars, commercial awareness, and motivations too.

I would focus on doing as well as you can in your degree and building up the rest of your application, rather than worrying about your A Levels. There is definitely no reason to rule yourself out from applying

 

[ML07]

Hi!

I would try not to worry too much. While some Magic Circle firms do have A-Level requirements (for example, I believe Slaughter and May asks for at least AAB), the others generally do not have strict A-Level cut-offs and instead look at your overall academic record. In fact, the fact you got an A* may mean that you'd still meet their AAB requirements overall (but I'd perhaps double-check with past applicants or the graduate recruitment team).

Given your grades, I think you are still in a strong position, particularly if you go on to achieve a 2:1 or first at UCL. Strong university performance can go a long way in demonstrating your academic ability, and firms will also be looking at your work experience, extracurriculars, commercial awareness, and motivations too.

I would focus on doing as well as you can in your degree and building up the rest of your application, rather than worrying about your A Levels. There is definitely no reason to rule yourself out from applying

Thank you. What should I do in my first year to build up my application? Also, in which year should I be applying to vacation schemes as a non law undergraduate? Thanks in advance.

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

Thank you. What should I do in my first year to build up my application? Also, in which year should I be applying to vacation schemes as a non law undergraduate? Thanks in advance.

No problem!

As a first-year student, I would focus on building a strong foundation rather than worrying too much about applications just yet. As briefly mentioned above, I would prioritise getting the best grades you can, as firms will look at your university academics during the application process and having a strong academic record will only strengthen your applications.

Alongside that, I would try to get involved in extracurriculars that genuinely interest you (e.g. societies, sports, volunteering, part-time work, etc.), as these all help demonstrate transferable skills. These don't necessarily have to be legal - I was on the committee for my university's motorsport society and the student newsletter, and I talked about these in all of my applications! It is also worth attending law firm open days, insight events, and any networking opportunities to learn more about the profession, and I would start building your commercial awareness by following business news and reading about the legal market.

As a non-law student, I believe you'll usually apply for vacation schemes in the final year of your undergraduate degree, although it is always worth checking each firm's eligibility criteria as this can vary (+ you might be eligible for some first-year schemes during your second year, for example). Between now and then, I would focus on building your experiences and refining your understanding of why commercial law, so that when applications open, you'll have plenty of examples to draw on.

You have got plenty of time, so don't feel like you need to have everything figured out in first year (+ I didn't properly start applying until my final year of my law degree!). If you use the next couple of years to gain experiences, maintain strong grades and improve your commercial awareness, you'll put yourself in a really strong position when you start applying