-
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.
TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
@Abbie Whitlock can you please delete my account? I have messaged privately and on here, could you kindly provide some assistance
Hey!
It's generally a good idea to use as much of the word count as you reasonably can, since the limit is there to give you enough space to fully develop your points. However, being a bit under is usually fine - what matters most is that everything you include is clear, strong, and relevant to the question being asked.
If you still have some words left over, you could see whether there is an opportunity to add a bit more context or detail to an experience, or include an extra example or piece of evidence to strengthen your answer. That said, I would avoid adding filler just to reach the exact number - a strong and concise answer generally comes across better than adding filler that is unfocused.
Best of luck with your application!
Hello @Abbie Whitlock @Andrei Radu
I was just wondering as I'm very new to this, is there a place where I can learn about inflation, difference between fiscal and monetary policy, bank rates etc. I mean like the very basics, beyond reading the news, to first get an understanding of what it is and how is operates?
Thank you
I was just wondering as I'm very new to this, is there a place where I can learn about inflation, difference between fiscal and monetary policy, bank rates etc. I mean like the very basics, beyond reading the news, to first get an understanding of what it is and how is operates?
Thank you
Hello!
Great question, and I can definitely share the resource that worked best for me (both when building awareness for applications and commercial awareness competitions!).
I found that the most helpful resource for understanding the basics was Investopedia. It includes information on the current events, but also breaks down complex topics so that you are able to understand what it is and how it operates. For example, I used this for understanding concepts such as securitisation, IPOs and the different types of financing.
Using your examples above, I have found the following that might be a useful starting point:
- This article on what inflation is and how it affects businesses - however, there are also articles on the core causes of inflation, types of inflation, and how it affects investments.
- This article on the differences between fiscal and monetary policy - it explains what each policy is, and the different types within each category.
- This article on what the bank rate means - including how it works, the different types, and examples
I hope that assists!
Does anyone know how strict Sullivan & Cromwell are with grades? I went to a 'good' uni and graduated with an overall 2.1, but got some 2.2s in my first two years...
Still haven't heard from Hogan Lovells after completing their first online assessment and getting a feedback report 7 days ago- should I email them or should I just leave it and wait?
They are really strict with grades, still try but don't get hopes up. But I guess this applies to every firm
Hi, I completed the first part of the A&O SJT today but left the browser and turned my laptop off just before the VI section because I couldn’t complete it at the time. Will it be okay, considering we have unlimited time to complete it? I’ve been stressed all day and don’t have the heart to open the browser esp since a W&C WVS PFO today ! 😭 Any help would be appreciated
Hi @Abbie Whitlock, I’m currently working on the RPC app, and their only question is “In what ways do you see yourself as ‘strikingly real’, and how does that connect with your motivation to apply here and your confidence in succeeding”.
From what I’ve read on their website, the strikingly real part seems to refer to skills and personal attributes. However, I’m a bit confused about how I can connect that directly to my motivations for applying to the firm. For instance, how to link it to my interest in a particular practice area of the firm. Also, do you think there’s anything extra I should add to the answer to address the “confidence in succeeding” part?
Thanks in advance!
From what I’ve read on their website, the strikingly real part seems to refer to skills and personal attributes. However, I’m a bit confused about how I can connect that directly to my motivations for applying to the firm. For instance, how to link it to my interest in a particular practice area of the firm. Also, do you think there’s anything extra I should add to the answer to address the “confidence in succeeding” part?
Thanks in advance!
Does anyone have any advice as to how to balance applications with uni? I have submitted 2 VS so far, I am behind a few lectures, and I haven't even started my coursework due next week. I also have another coursework on December and one in early Jan worth 100% of my modules. The prob is that most SVS applications, especially the rolling ones, close that time. I was at first aiming for 15 law firms, but now Idk if I can make 5 apps!
For now, focus on getting your coursework done. If you haven't started yet and it is due next week, then that should be your ONLY priority imo. Once you get that done I think you should hit the reset button. Clearly whatever strategy you have, if you even have one, isn't working. I felt this way several times during uni, and had to hit that reset button A LOT of times. But it's important that you do. Before every Monday morning, you should have a clear goal for each week. I would plan out (roughly) what I wanted to achieve for every single day of that upcoming week. With regard to coursework, break it up into lots of small chunks that you can get stuck into each day. Then, for applications, aim for about 2 or 3 a week, depending on how much uni work you have. I used to 'lock' myself in the library until I finished an application as I knew there was no chance I would do one once I got home. The last thing i'd say is that it's worth it. Having just graduated myself, the constant motivational battle and the late nights were worth it. I remember when i received my first AC invite and my first VS/TC offer, I was so happy. Not only because it's what most law students dream of, but because I knew how hard I had to work to get there. What you'll really regret is not putting in the hours now, or not sticking to your weekly plans, as those are things that are in your control. Wishing you the best of luck and feel free to reach out anytime!
Has anyone ever used the “Add” function on AllHires after submitting an application? I wanted to update firms on making to the AS final as it feels an important development!
Yep, I used it for attaching my references as they asked for in the initial application.
Hey!
Great question - the wording definitely feels a bit abstract!
From the way RPC uses the phrase "strikingly real", you're right that it is mostly about authenticity, self-awareness, and the strengths that make you effective in real situations (rather than generic traits). One way to link that to your motivation for applying is to show how your real qualities naturally align with what RPC is known for. For example:
1. If you're collaborative or commercially curious, connect that to RPC's reputation for an open culture and its strong client-centric approach
2. If you're drawn to a specific practice area at the firm, explain how parts of your personality or past experiences make you thrive in the type of work that team does.
So I'd look at it as: "who I am -> why this environment and type of work fits me (specific to RPC)"
For the "confidence in succeeding" part, you don't need to sound overconfident - just grounded. You could talk about things such as:
1. Past experiences where your "strikingly real" qualities helped you progress or overcome challenges;
2. The way you learn, adapt, or build relationships;
3. How those traits will help you grow at RPC
It's more about self-belief that's backed by evidence - simply stating that you have the traits is not enough.
I hope that helps, and best of luck with your application!
Hi @Abbie Whitlock do you have any tips for the Reed Smith online assessment + VI? Thanks in advance
Similar threads
- Sticky
