TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

[Ambs123]

Yes. Got an email late last week for GBA

Congrats! When did you apply?

 

[Lawyered22]

Just completed the Mayer Brown JS. For all those who got the invite, it’s essentially a VI, written assessment & SJT rolled into one. That’s unfortunately as much info as I can give in order to preserve the integrity of the assessment and all, but preparing as you would for those individually will prepare you for it.

 

[CC03]

Oc

October 18

Thanks, only applied last week!

 

[futuretraineecity]

Just completed the Mayer Brown JS. For all those who got the invite, it’s essentially a VI, written assessment & SJT rolled into one. That’s unfortunately as much info as I can give in order to preserve the integrity of the assessment and all, but preparing as you would for those individually will prepare you for it.

Was the VI strictly scenario-based questions? That’s the impression I got from the email but just wanted to check

 

[DisciplineTC2526]

When do candidates hear back about the HSF test? Took it for the summer scheme sometime ago.

 

[anon123456789]

Do you get an explicit email from HSF saying you reached the benchmark? I completed the test yesterday as I submitted my app on the deadline and have just received an email that my app is under review. Does this mean I met the benchmark? literally sat here refreshing my emails every 10 seconds after these tests

 

[Cantab_95]

is this a standard rejection email - did anyone else get this for the WS? Look like a reserve list email maybe


Thank you for your application to Stephenson Harwood. I am writing to give you an update on your application.

As you may be aware competition for places has been very strong. With this in mind, we will not be proceeding with your application for our winter scheme but would still like to consider you for our spring and summer placement schemes and for a training contract in due course.

If you no longer wish to be considered for a placement scheme or training contract please do let me know. Otherwise we will be in touch soon with the progress of your application.

Thank you for your continued patience. In the meantime, please do let me know if you have any questions.

 

[anon123456789]

Do you get an explicit email from HSF saying you reached the benchmark? I completed the test yesterday as I submitted my app on the deadline and have just received an email that my app is under review. Does this mean I met the benchmark? literally sat here refreshing my emails every 10 seconds after these tests

Scrap that, just got another email saying I passed, I could cry what a relief!

 

[rose888]

Do you get an explicit email from HSF saying you reached the benchmark? I completed the test yesterday as I submitted my app on the deadline and have just received an email that my app is under review. Does this mean I met the benchmark? literally sat here refreshing my emails every 10 seconds after these tests

I just got the same email and then two minutes later another one to say I had passed the test!

 

[anon123456789]

I just got the same email and then two minutes later another one to say I had passed the test!

Congratulations!!! So exciting, fingers crossed for app review

 

[kmax301]

Everyone is their own worst critic, so remain hopeful! Quick question how long did you get to prepare for each question?

Hi, I would say that in total around 3-5 hours excluding the time of the initial research I did before applying.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

is this a standard rejection email - did anyone else get this for the WS? Look like a reserve list email maybe


Thank you for your application to Stephenson Harwood. I am writing to give you an update on your application.

As you may be aware competition for places has been very strong. With this in mind, we will not be proceeding with your application for our winter scheme but would still like to consider you for our spring and summer placement schemes and for a training contract in due course.

If you no longer wish to be considered for a placement scheme or training contract please do let me know. Otherwise we will be in touch soon with the progress of your application.

Thank you for your continued patience. In the meantime, please do let me know if you have any questions.

I don't think it is a reserve list as such but it isn't a rejection either. It seems like they have just filled their winter scheme and will consider moving people over to a later placement or training contract once they have reviewed your application. If you have a particular preference of which programme you'd like to be transferred over to, I would reply to the email stating this, but otherwise it will just be a wait and see, unfortunately.

 

[Cantab_95]

I don't think it is a reserve list as such but it isn't a rejection either. It seems like they have just filled their winter scheme and will consider moving people over to a later placement or training contract once they have reviewed your application. If you have a particular preference of which programme you'd like to be transferred over to, I would reply to the email stating this, but otherwise it will just be a wait and see, unfortunately.

Ah ok, thanks for clarifying. I applied quite early so I’m confused if they hadn’t got around to reviewing my application. Does it mean I didn’t stand out, possibly?

 

[GXA123]

Hi, I would say that in total around 3-5 hours excluding the time of the initial research I did before applying.

Everyone is their own worst critic, so remain hopeful! Quick question how long did you get to prepare for each question?

You get 2 mins to prepare, 2 mins to answer I believe this is your question.

 

[thirdtimelucky]

Sorry if this has been asked before, but when firms ask about positions of responsibility/extracurriculars, can you talk about things you did at university even if you've already graduated (in my case in 2018)?

 

[kmax301]

You get 2 mins to prepare, 2 mins to answer I believe this is your question.

Haha, yeah I misread the question. I spent 3-5 hours preparing beforehand but as correctly pointed out, you get 2 minutes.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Ah ok, thanks for clarifying. I applied quite early so I’m confused if they hadn’t got around to reviewing my application. Does it mean I didn’t stand out, possibly?

They may have done some form of quick review (e.g. does this person meet basic criteria) but not fully reviewed applications, or if there is any form of assessment prioritised applications based on the results. Applying early doesn't necessarily mean your application will be decided upon earlier.

You could be right and you could be in some form of "hold" pile while they work out what the quality of applications is like. I used to do this a lot, especially when we got more applications than expected. I used to score applicants but hold those around the benchmark score, until we knew how some of the interviews had gone/what our acceptance rate was etc.

 

[notyourcupofmilk]

Hi, I would say that in total around 3-5 hours excluding the time of the initial research I did before applying.

wait during the video interview? I thought it was either 30 sec or 2 minutes until they record ur response

 

[notyourcupofmilk]

You get 2 mins to prepare, 2 mins to answer I believe this is your question.

ohh right perfect!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Sorry if this has been asked before, but when firms ask about positions of responsibility/extracurriculars, can you talk about things you did at university even if you've already graduated (in my case in 2018)?

Yes, it is still relevant to provide this detail as it shows how busy you kept yourself during university. For instance, someone might have slightly lower grades but you'd weigh that up against their other commitments and therefore would take that into consideration against someone who had no extra curricular and had more time to study.

Such extracurriculars are also likely to show a range of transferable skills. If there is anything you are doing post uni (e.g. charity fundraising, "extracurriculars" in the work place, helping the local community), you can include these too.