TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[sadlawyer01]

You divide your correct answers by the total number of questions..

I got 33 out of 40 correct which is 82.5% and placed in the 88th percentile. I did my test in September though so not sure if I moved down percentile wise as more people applied. It said it was based on 2024, so maybe not.

i have the same score and was placed in the 44th percentile...

 

[trainee4u]

My results were so cooked because I thought I’d be strategic and try follow this formula I found to figuring out what strengths they are testing (I didnt know what their specific pillars were). I scored highly on numerical, verbal and the APS aspect but my others were either needs further development or some missed opportunities😭To put it into perspective, I selected- “ask the client to repeat the question again so that you can quickly look at practical law”🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I would have never in a million years selected that but I was not focused on answering authentically. There is my lesson for the application cycle. Good thing it wasnt for a firm I was really really keen on

yeah tbh I don't focus on pillars except in like trying to work out where I went wrong. (also they had different pillars last year, lol - the format has been simplified slightly.)

I think last year I was too focused on 'grit' and getting it right by myself, whereas I've now realised that they want you to behave like a trainee - i.e. you don't do anything without it being checked by a qualified lawyer and you have to both be helpful and ask others when neessary.

as you say it's all BS because in the real world you don't necessarily face these situations and anyway everyone's just lying to get through to the next round.

 

[Willgetatc]

No emails this week either🙂‍↔️🙂‍↔️ grad rec help me out here

 

[BealMcAlly]

i have the same score and was placed in the 44th percentile...

I think the time you take to complete the test is taken into consideration.

I have no idea how they work out the percentiles 🥴🫠

 

[boots pharmacy]

Can anyone confirm if the VS application for Linklaters had a question in it? I applied for DTC but emailed grad rec to see if there is any chance for my application to be moved to the VS process. Im assuming it would be a no but thought I would ask anyway as my situation has changed.

No, IIRC.

 

[boots pharmacy]

Just received my WG report from Linklaters- 72.5% in the test overall and 59% percentile... there goes another PFO

The WG is just one datapoint. WE, grades, university experiences, etc. are likely all weighed far more highly. I scored in the 99th percentile but was PFO'd last year (poor first year grades). Don't count yourself out until the PFO email hits your inbox.

 

[boots pharmacy]

how do u know what u got overall, i got 66th percentile but not sure how that measures in comparison lol

I emailed grad rec.

 

[boots pharmacy]

Can anyone confirm if it was 2mins to prepare for White & Case's VI please? or was it 15 secs as some source state?

The website says 2 mins.

 

[johnsmith]

Does anyone know the general type of questions asked for the Reed Smith VI? Can provide insights for Bakers and Osborne Clarke.

The prep time is unlimited so just load it up and you can take as long as you want to prepare and answer!

 

[aspringlawyer25]

Can anyone share insights on Eversheds VI please? Happy to share insights for other firms as well. cheers

 

[johnsmith]

You divide your correct answers by the total number of questions..

I got 33 out of 40 correct which is 82.5% and placed in the 88th percentile. I did my test in September though so not sure if I moved down percentile wise as more people applied. It said it was based on 2024, so maybe not.

I got 4 less than that and got 63% percentile, so it shows the fine margins! I do wonder, though, how much of a bearing the WG can have in the age of AI when the test is taken at home with no real oversight other than maybe some background digital monitoring tools showing too much tab swapping. I think I'm right in thinking they ask people to take the test again at the AC?

 

[boots pharmacy]

WAIT LOVEEE THAT!!

HSF Kramer/CC/FF/CMS and the rest if you’re reading this, I’ll take you back with open arms if you wanted to do the same 😘

Wish I could go back to law firms the way I go back to my exes.

 

[boots pharmacy]

Is it still worth it to submit Gibson Dunn today/tomorrow?

Have heard GD is one of the stricter firms when it comes to rolling apps. YMMV.

 

[BealMcAlly]

i have the same score and was placed in the 44th percentile...

Soooo I did some digging and it seems the STANINE and STEN scores are used to place you accordingly in the percentile.

I think some questions are 'harder' than others and getting those right may boost your score.

 

[Bbhu19]

Anyone get a response for king and Spaulding insight day?

 

[Dannie]

im really confused as to how links would make their final ac decisions. its just based on work experience, 3 random traits you get in the cappfinity, marks, and your WG score??? feels like very little to go off of, let alone show motivation, dedication and ability

 

[shadowboxer909]

i swear W&C specifically chose the hardest questions out of the 4-5 questions that normally follow a statement for the WG 😂 welp I'm glad I'm done with that now.

I know I said a week or smth ago that I was stopping applications but I promise that this one is now my last application 😂😂

You also said you were going to stop posting after the New Year haha. You can't stop.

 

[IWillGetATC]

Anyone get a response for king and Spaulding insight day?

I was rejected today!

 

[rlw123]

Does anyone have any insights into the AG video interview? I've done their video interviews for the last couple years however noticed this time they didn't ask about work experience. I wonder if the VI focuses on that aspect?

 

[elle woods]

You also said you were going to stop posting after the New Year haha. You can't stop.

😔 i know... sorry haha

I decided to do 2 last minute applications 😂😂 I promise I am done now tho - but yes like you said, I can't seem to drag myself away from this forum 🫶 everyone here is so precious and lowkey I get fomo 😭 will need to practice detachment styles haha