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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

Hi all, I have recently been offered a summer vacation scheme and have been offered the choice of 2 different dates during summer. I’m trying to think whether there’s any particular advantage or disadvantage to choosing either date? Is it possible that if the earlier date cohort is very strong, the firm could have given out more than half of its TC offers before the later scheme even starts?
Hey!

Congratulations on the VS offer!

In most cases, firms aren't working with a strict quota for each vacation scheme. Instead, they tend to give TCs to those who meet their benchmark during the scheme and therefore, it is unlikely that the earlier cohort would "use up" the offers before the later one starts (as there isn't always a set amount of TCs on offer).

So you generally won't be disadvantaged by choosing the later scheme, and I would definitely go for the dates that work best for you :)
 
@Abbie Whitlock if reapplying to macfarlanes for DTC in the same cycle after having gotten a VS PFO, how would one approach the application question? I got rejected at a later stage so my application wasnt the issue, but still wondering to what extent its best to change it since the app has the same exact question as for the VS
Hi!

If the question is exactly the same, I don't think you would be expected to completely rewrite your answer - particularly if your application was strong already! What I would recommend is re-reading your original answer and refining it where you can. For example, you might sharpen the wording, make your motivations a bit clearer, or add any new insights or experiences that you have had since submitting the VS application.

It should still feel genuine and consistent with what you originally wrote, as otherwise you might be trying to force a completely different answer just for the sake of it :)
 
I think the general consensus is that offers have gone out but like last year they can’t tell us until like next week
Was just curious bc people started reacting that they’d gotten guildford offers only yesterday and no one has positively indicated anything about London—that coupled w the post from Monday by grad rec about making offers “soon” —not sure it’s over yet 🫠
 
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