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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

hi guys, would appreciate any insights on this:
ive been fortunate to get an AC with one of top choice firms, which was initially scheduled for mid February, but that I had to reschedule as I had my final exams during that exact date. They've kindly rescheduled for an AC in march, but they've been holding ACs in the meantime and have already sent out many offers for the VS. I can't help but feel super discouraged seeing as I'm not sure how many places there will be by the time I get to do my AC, and that my chances are lower just because its one of the later ones (my assumption being that they will be more picky as they've given out a handful of offers already and spots are filling up). has anyone else been on one of the later ACs and ended up getting the VS? is it usually an even spread between recruiting from ACs? seeing as quite a lot of offers went out im lowkey a bit disappointed to have gotten this far in the process to then have my chances be significantly lower because the firm doesnt wait til everyone's completed ACs to give decisions :/ now debating if theres even a point of me relying on the AC to score a place if my chances by then will be basically nonexistent: theres about 15 vac scheme places per scheme (ACs for both spring and summer), and I've seen at least 5 be given out just from this forum...

Hello!

Congratulations on the AC invite! I totally understand your perspective, and I remember feeling the same way when people would post about offers when I was still waiting to hear back post-AC.

When I completed my DTC AC for Reed Smith, I believe I was one of the later (if not the latest!) ACs, as I had to reschedule due to a clash with a VS. Firms wouldn't continue running ACs or invite candidates if there were no realistic places left, and offers going out early doesn't mean that later ACs are judged more harshly.

It's also worth bearing in mind that online posts can be misleading, as they only show a small snapshot of what is actually happening. Firms expect some candidates to decline offers, so they may plan their recruitment accordingly. If you have been invited to the AC, it is because the firm sees potential, and that doesn't change just because your AC is later in the cycle. Graduate recruitment teams know that there will be strong candidates at the later ACs too, so there is definitely still a chance!

Best of luck with the AC! :)


I agree with @Abbie Whitlock. I appreciate this is sad to see, but I promise the firm wouldn't still run ACs in March if they didn't have the space.

The main thing I'd keep in mind is that if you're really good, a firm will find a way to make sure you're progressed. Please focus on your exams and then nailing that interview!
 
Do you know when your acquaintance received their AC for Hogan's summer VS? I still have not heard back from the firm after my SJT.
no clue sorry! like i said, just an acquaintance

Post VI. I am kinda worried that they have alr sent offers , however I was reassured by someone in their career's team that acs run till March so I should still be optimistic :(
ooh i see - well if they are still holding ACs then i wouldnt worry! theres's still a chance! best of luck and i hope you hear back!
 
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