TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[c.t.tc]

Actually diabolical that the MDR test has to be done between now and new year's

 

[Vakil]

I kind of feel if any of us get through to VS, we should be paid extra by Mishcon for being their test dummies

 

[Madison Pinewall]

Hi Madison,
Brave of you share this, and I'm pretty sure most of the people here, including me, can resonate a lot with it.

We're all "high achievers" in textbook. Globally ranked University? Straight As? Triple Distinctions? Law? STEM? MBA? Government recognition for volunteering? Leadership roles in uni? You name it, we have it all... But why aren't we getting through the stringent application process?

I've beaten myself up for all of it so much. But then one day I realised... They aren't looking for a reason to choose you. They're looking for a reason TO NOT CHOOSE YOU. And the best thing you could do for yourself is to not let that determine your self worth. You've been all the amazing things that you are. But remember, you can be a right person at a wrong place. The rejection speaks less about your "qualification" or "worthiness" and says a lot about the firm's suitability for you.

I understand it's frustrating to not know what life holds for you down the line, especially when we're not financially loaded and all we have is our academic excellence and skillset, which is put to question when such rejections come through. I see you, I'm on the same terrain with you. But I want to tell you what I tell myself (and fail most times). Please be kind to yourself. You'll get through this, you've always been and you shall again!

As cliche as it sounds, rejection is redirections. Keep your hope alive. There ll always be a silver lining in things happen to you, which you may not realise until years later when the realisation comes through.

Sending you strength, warmth and courage! You'll be fine ♥️

Thanks so much!! I think maybe if I accept the fact this process might take a few years maybe it'll be easier. I'm not sure what I could do in those years but i'm sure there must be more than what i'm imagining (going back to hospitality ?..)

Good luck this year!! I hope everything looks up for you too, it's nice to feel less alone!

 

[abc124]

Will it have the numerical sections?!

I think so 😭 I just scored a 1/9 in weil’s amberjack so I’m not ready to face it again 😭 I wonder if there’ll be a vi element again…

 

[yk1906]

Thanks so much!! I think maybe if I accept the fact this process might take a few years maybe it'll be easier. I'm not sure what I could do in those years but i'm sure there must be more than what i'm imagining (going back to hospitality ?..)

Good luck this year!! I hope everything looks up for you too, it's nice to feel less alone!

Consider sending out apps for banking/consulting roles just in case!

 

[user55998384]

I had a couple of 2.2's and I still made it to AC with them last year. So don't stress!! It's the overall quality of the application that matters

amazing thank you so much!!

 

[SamiyaJ]

So I was a guinea pig… made to suffer?! I better get brownie points aka SJT invite for doing it yesterday and providing honest feedback 😂

Mishcon brownie points received 😏😂

 

[LawAspirer]

mishcon SJT, happy bout it but I’m wondering if it wouldve been more efficient to give everyone an SJT first and then do the chatbot. Like this it feels like we’re test dummies and the SJT is THE filtering option

 

[AMullin]

Just got the Mishcon SJT invite as well and I BOMBED the VI part of the Chatbot thing.

I wonder if they have realised it wasn't a great assessment and invited everyone to do the SJT as well...? 🤔

 

[Madison Pinewall]

mishcon SJT, happy bout it but I’m wondering if it wouldve been more efficient to give everyone an SJT first and then do the chatbot. Like this it feels like we’re test dummies and the SJT is THE filtering option

in fairness i haven't had a test invite so i think they must have filtered with step 1 to an extent !

 

[jamieclarke]

Mishcon SJT invite for Spring

 

[manifestingthetc]

YAY i passed mishcon, onto the next stage!

 

[safari3]

Mishcon stating that outcomes following SJT will be announced in late January ughhhhh but happy to progress regardless

 

[SNA99]

Just completed the VI for Eversheds 😬 Not sure how I feel about how it went - is it usual to not get more than 1 chance at recording for other VI's people have done? Dreading waiting 4 weeks to hear how I did. Not sure if it's a good or bad thing that you can't rewatch your answers 😭.

 

[yk1906]

Just completed the VI for Eversheds 😬 Not sure how I feel about how it went - is it usual to not get more than 1 chance at recording for other VI's people have done? Dreading waiting 4 weeks to hear how I did. Not sure if it's a good or bad thing that you can't rewatch your answers 😭.

You usually get 1 try! 😢

 

[elle woods]

Thanks so much!! I think maybe if I accept the fact this process might take a few years maybe it'll be easier. I'm not sure what I could do in those years but i'm sure there must be more than what i'm imagining (going back to hospitality ?..)

Good luck this year!! I hope everything looks up for you too, it's nice to feel less alone!

Hey Madison!

I second everything Lawlawland has said - honestly, if you're about to graduate, you could look into paralegal roles too! Many graduates that I know who are currently still applying are currently paralegals/applying to become a paralegal as it's really good experience to have in terms of applying to a DTC.

Honestly, I know it's difficult at a uni like Oxford, but truly, it is absolutely UNUSUAL to be getting graduate offers in university - it just seems like the norm for us because everyone around us is experiencing that particular pathway. Don't lose faith or hope at this stage, all you need is ONE acceptance, so don't let those rejections bog you down!! Each one is making and shaping you into a better candidate, and I trust you will come out of the tunnel with an offer, even if it takes a year or two.

Best of luck girl, I trust that you will be fine! Your resilience tells me so!

 

[jamieclarke]

Um... I feel like i got asked a different set of questions for DLA.


Anyway.. Im probably cooked😭😭

I passed the TI, but I felt they kept asking the same questions and I felt it difficult

 

[Rads]

Guys whoever has got Kirkland VI, is it for spring?

 

[elle woods]

Guys whoever has got Kirkland VI, is it for spring?

I applied for both cos they never specified dates so I'm uncertain whether I can make it or not lols

 

[Disgruntled SQE Student]

thats true hopefully it will be fine. good luck!!

You too! All the best! Don't get your head down! You're in it until you're not and no amount of PFOs of other people can indicate if you will get one!