General Discussion Thread 2020-21

[Camilla]

I was recently rejected from Hogan Lovells (TC, 2022 start) after the WG test. I plan to apply again for their TC, 2023 start. My question is: how much should I change my application, if at all? My understanding is that they do not invite all candidates to complete the WG test, which would indicate that my application passed their initial review. However, I don't know for certain if they rejected me because of my application or the WG score. The thing is, I have passed the WG test for several other firms, which makes me think that my application, when evaluated together with my WG score, was not strong enough. I would appreciate any thoughts on the matter!

Hiya

You can always ask for your Watson Glaser report from HL. I emailed and asked for mine, saying I wanted to understand where I can improve on the WG test. This was the message I received back:

"Please find attached a copy of your Watson glaser report. Unfortunately you were not successful based on your application form."

I scored in the 88th percentile so I definitely passed it. You could ask for your report but even if you passed the app stage but not the WG stage I would still try to improve your application. Volumes of applications are increasing, so what was good enough last cycle might not be this cycle.

 

[bel123456]

hey guys. I recently submitted a direct TC application at A&O, but only JUST received the final one of my module grades (delayed in receiving due to covid). It's pretty good (a first class), should I email grad rec to update them on this? or do you think it's not worth it/needed?

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

hey guys. I recently submitted a direct TC application at A&O, but only JUST received the final one of my module grades (delayed in receiving due to covid). It's pretty good (a first class), should I email grad rec to update them on this? or do you think it's not worth it/needed?

What's the difference in your overall average with and without the grade?

 

[PhoebeL]

has anyone heard back from links for direct TC? :'(

not yet

 

[bel123456]

What's the difference in your overall average with and without the grade?

(excluding my first year grades since those are not counted into my overall degree classification) my overall average without the grade would be around 69, but with the grade it'd be 69.5 or so!

 

[Daniel Boden]

(excluding my first year grades since those are not counted into my overall degree classification) my overall average without the grade would be around 69, but with the grade it'd be 69.5 or so!

So you'd be on for a first (assuming the 69.5 gets rounded up to 70 which is normally the case)? I'd let them know personally

 

[hlaws20]

Hi

I was wondering whether you could submit the same answers to an application question given that the firm's questions have not changed since the last recruitment cycle. For example, Latham has opened today and their application questions are exactly the same as last year. Or do firms expect you to change your application

Thanks!!

 

[Alice G]

(excluding my first year grades since those are not counted into my overall degree classification) my overall average without the grade would be around 69, but with the grade it'd be 69.5 or so!

I would probably add it - there is often a space on app portals for candidates to write supplementary or additional info so I would pop the new grade in there and state the overall grade with it factored in.

 

[Alice G]

Hi

I was wondering whether you could submit the same answers to an application question given that the firm's questions have not changed since the last recruitment cycle. For example, Latham has opened today and their application questions are exactly the same as last year. Or do firms expect you to change your application

Thanks!!

I think this can be a bit risky, personally. I would definitely update the app to the extent it reflects your growth and achievements over the past year and I would try to look at the application questions to see how they can be improved. If the application did not pass the first round last time then there is more than likely scope for improvement and some of the content you wrote a year ago may not be as applicable or correct this time round (e.g. a new story or commercial point you might have mentioned will likely be quite outdated now).

 

[LOGO]

Hi everyone I was wondering , if there is no word limit for a cover letter for an open day what would you say a reasonable word count is ?

 

[Alice G]

Hi everyone I was wondering , if there is no word limit for a cover letter for an open day what would you say a reasonable word count is ?

I would keep it to a page maximum (I personally added my address and the recipient's address and the date as I felt it looked more professional which I count as being part of that one page too)

Ultimately, you want to be able to write everything you feel you need and want to whilst remembering a key skill in legal writing is to be concise and to the point

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

(excluding my first year grades since those are not counted into my overall degree classification) my overall average without the grade would be around 69, but with the grade it'd be 69.5 or so!

Wouldn't worry about it where the difference is so marginal to be honest.

 

[bel123456]

I would probably add it - there is often a space on app portals for candidates to write supplementary or additional info so I would pop the new grade in there and state the overall grade with it factored in.

So you'd be on for a first (assuming the 69.5 gets rounded up to 70 which is normally the case)? I'd let them know personally

THANKS GUYS!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi everyone I was wondering , if there is no word limit for a cover letter for an open day what would you say a reasonable word count is ?

Not a word count as such - but ideally get it on one page

 

[anon1404]

Hiya

You can always ask for your Watson Glaser report from HL. I emailed and asked for mine, saying I wanted to understand where I can improve on the WG test. This was the message I received back:

"Please find attached a copy of your Watson glaser report. Unfortunately you were not successful based on your application form."

I scored in the 88th percentile so I definitely passed it. You could ask for your report but even if you passed the app stage but not the WG stage I would still try to improve your application. Volumes of applications are increasing, so what was good enough last cycle might not be this cycle.

Thank you!!

 

[LOGO]

Not a word count as such - but ideally get it on one page

Thank you

 

[LOGO]

I would keep it to a page maximum (I personally added my address and the recipient's address and the date as I felt it looked more professional which I count as being part of that one page too)

Ultimately, you want to be able to write everything you feel you need and want to whilst remembering a key skill in legal writing is to be concise and to the point

Thanks. So helpful.

 

[bel123456]

Wouldn't worry about it where the difference is so marginal to be honest.

Thanks Jess!

 

[dosblancos7]

Anyone heard back from HSF (Winter) yet? Deadline is 2 October, I've yet to apply, but don't want to leave it too late either.

 

[DrowninginSQE]

Anyone heard back from HSF (Winter) yet? Deadline is 2 October, I've yet to apply, but don't want to leave it too late either.

After I did the tests they said they will give me an outcome after the deadline.