Hi everyone, I have just graduated and am applying for VSs. My grade average overall is 67%. I performed pretty poorly in one of my modules (Jurisprudence) in second year. I got 56%. I just want to ask if this will set me back significantly in terms of applications? For context, I am applying to regional firms rather than city firms.
-
Join Premium →Get Everything You Need to Secure a Training ContractNow half the price. Join TCLA Premium for £30/month and get step-by-step application support, daily commercial awareness practice, and 700+ successful examples of past applications and interview experiences. Plus so much more.
-
Register on Zoom →Ace Your Vacation Scheme Applications with Reed Smith10 Nov 2025 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm (UK) Zoom (registration required)Join Reed Smith for this practical session on how to write a strong vacation scheme application ahead of key deadlines. Understand what recruiters look for and how to get past the application review stage.
-
Register on Zoom →Write Winning Vacation Scheme Applications with Osborne Clarke11 Nov 2025 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm (UK) Zoom (registration required)Hear from Recruitment Advisor Patrick Fermin Ryan at Osborne Clarke on how to write a successful vacation scheme application. Gain expert advice on what makes applications stand out and how to approach yours with confidence.
Module I did not perform well in - will it set me back?
- Thread starter iwatchsuits
- Start date
Hi!
Congratulations on graduating! 🥳
I wouldn't worry too much about that one module - most firms, especially regional ones, will look at your overall performance rather than zooming in on a single lower grade. As you have a 67% average, this is still really strong and shows consistency across your degree!
When it comes to applications, you can also use your CV and cover letter (or application form) to highlight your skills and work experience that make you a good fit for the firm you are applying for. Regional firms often value things such as client-facing experience and well-rounded skills just as much as grades.
One weaker mark is not going to hold you back significantly, especially if you can show your enthusiasm for the role and the firm. You've got this - best of luck with your applications!
ZNadeem
Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
TCLA Moderator
Gold Member
Premium Member
Forum Team
- Mar 16, 2025
- 180
- 180
Hi! Huge congrats on graduating and achieving such a strong overall result! Honestly, your 56% in one module isn’t likely to hold you back, especially since your overall average is 67% — well above the 2:1 most firms are looking for. Firms in particular tend to focus more on your overall academic performance rather than any single lower grade. I know a few fellow future trainees who secured multiple offers with similar grades.
If you’re concerned, you can briefly address it if asked in interviews or applications by framing it as a one-off challenge and then highlighting how you improved or excelled in subsequent modules. But in general, don’t worry — your overall record and achievements are what will really stand out to recruiters.
Thank you both! I feel much better nowHi!
Congratulations on graduating! 🥳
I wouldn't worry too much about that one module - most firms, especially regional ones, will look at your overall performance rather than zooming in on a single lower grade. As you have a 67% average, this is still really strong and shows consistency across your degree!
When it comes to applications, you can also use your CV and cover letter (or application form) to highlight your skills and work experience that make you a good fit for the firm you are applying for. Regional firms often value things such as client-facing experience and well-rounded skills just as much as grades.
One weaker mark is not going to hold you back significantly, especially if you can show your enthusiasm for the role and the firm. You've got this - best of luck with your applications!
thank you for the tips too!
I got A*AD for my A Levels back in 2011, and I'm not sure how recruiters perceive that. I tend to emphasise later achievements on applications to make up for my A Levels, and also a less-than-commercial undergraduate subject choice! (Film Studies)
The worst university grade I received was 40% (during my first year as an undergrad), and the best was 80% (on a Masters where I ended up with a Distinction and a Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship).
I hope the highs and lows make for an interesting and memorable profile, at least!
The worst university grade I received was 40% (during my first year as an undergrad), and the best was 80% (on a Masters where I ended up with a Distinction and a Vice-Chancellor's Scholarship).
I hope the highs and lows make for an interesting and memorable profile, at least!
Thank you for your response! I think it shows that above all, we’re humans and not robots haha. What a fantastic Masters result by the way!
