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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Sorry to hear that.
After my VS last year they gave me the FIRST feedback call of all participants.
I was pretty excited and then to be phoned up to receive the PFO, you'd have to be unhuman not to sound disappointed. I did point this out to them and said "you know I appreciate receiving feedback but I'd prefer to know that the outcome is PFO before you call me up so I have time to digest and can concentrate on what you are saying insted of just realising I get nothing".
They said they'd take my feedback into account, idk if it they changed anything tho.
Ahhh! That is good to hear (but feel bad for you too) - I thought I was the only one! Fingers crossed our batch haven’t had consideration yet..
Sorry you also experienced this. Honestly the worst feeling. Especially when it feels like you are so close. Calling to give a PFO then feedback is not an appropriate approach at all, like you said an email with the PFO first would have been better.
That said, think my journey with law is over. This cycle was my last hope and don’t think I have the time or energy in me anymore lol.
Completely agree with this.
I interviewed for a promotion in my current role last Friday and I was told I wouldn’t be progressing to the next stage via a Teams call yesterday. I appreciated the call from the hiring manager, but I would have much preferred to have such news via email so I could digest it in my own time. Bad news = email. Good news = phone call.
How many cycles have you done? Don’t give up if it’s something you really want! It’s really hard to get into law, so try not to be too disheartened if this cycle didn’t work out. Every no brings you closer to the eventual ‘yes’.
yeah which is why I'm confused i haven't received a pfo yet as it's too late for an AC
I graduated in 2024
I have been applying since I was in 2nd year uni so it’s been a few cycles and it is something I really want but it’s starting to weigh a lot on me mentally, especially this time round. I don’t think another try will be good for me but thank you for your kind words!
I am in a similar position and it is hard to know what to do
I have done 35/40ish applications and 5 ACs across the last two cycles but I just cannot seem to progress past AC
The UK is just so expensive rn as well and considering how much more competitive each cycle is getting it is hard to know if another cycle will acc produce positive results, despite how much I want this career path
You’re so early in your career! It’s completely normal for it to take some time to get your dream job/role. Social media/LinkedIn will have you believe that you should have a TC secured before you’re even born, but that’s not the reality for so many people. But it’s also completely understandable if you’re feeling burnt out after several cycles in a row.I graduated in 2024
same here, completely get you it’s my fourth cycle praying this is our last!!I graduated in 2024
I don’t think it’s rude at all, 100% ask! I think they will understand that it is an upsetting and difficult moment, especially to have through the phone
MY VS cycle has come to an end. Unfortunately, not the result we wanted after that last assumed PFO post-AC from Norton Rose Fulbright, since all offers are now out. PFO number 60-something — lost the count. WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO NOTHING HERE. (Credits my G @Harvey Specter - Presiding Partner for copyrights.)
Wow! I suppose maybe they see it as more polite to do it that way, as you have dedicated so much time in attending their assessment center and in your application, it’s only right for them to give you the same energy and actually address you on a human level as opposed to through a screen. Although I think just from a personal perspective, I would way prefer an email because, I would feel really uncomfortable like speaking to someone about that. I think it’s difficult either way.
At the risk of sounding preachy, I wanted to offer my 2 cents to everyone feeling discouraged this app cycle. As a recent STEM graduate in my first application cycle, coming into this process as a bit of an outsider, I honestly had no idea how demanding vacation scheme applications would be.
The amount of research, preparation, reworking answers, and staying motivated through uncertainty is far more than most application processes.
But the reason I’m posting is because I’ve seen quite a few recent threads from people saying they’re thinking about giving up.
If that’s you, I just want to say that what you’re doing is genuinely INCREDIBLY hard — and the fact you’ve made it this far already says a lot about your resilience and determination.
This process is tough for everyone, even if it sometimes feels like you’re the only one finding it that way.
Progress here often looks like persistence rather than quick success. Every application, every piece of feedback, every interview is building experience that will count.
So if you’re feeling discouraged, take a breather if you need to — but don’t underestimate how much progress you’re making just by sticking with it. Everyone here is exceptional and it's only a matter of time before that TC comes through!
Massive well done to everyone who’s still showing up and putting the work in. You’re doing better than you probably think.
The amount of research, preparation, reworking answers, and staying motivated through uncertainty is far more than most application processes.
But the reason I’m posting is because I’ve seen quite a few recent threads from people saying they’re thinking about giving up.
If that’s you, I just want to say that what you’re doing is genuinely INCREDIBLY hard — and the fact you’ve made it this far already says a lot about your resilience and determination.
This process is tough for everyone, even if it sometimes feels like you’re the only one finding it that way.
Progress here often looks like persistence rather than quick success. Every application, every piece of feedback, every interview is building experience that will count.
So if you’re feeling discouraged, take a breather if you need to — but don’t underestimate how much progress you’re making just by sticking with it. Everyone here is exceptional and it's only a matter of time before that TC comes through!
Massive well done to everyone who’s still showing up and putting the work in. You’re doing better than you probably think.
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