application prospects post-second year improvement

[noctkul]

Hi TCLA,

Just wanted to get a quick outlook on my application prospects this year. I go to a RG uni and had a blip in first year for two of my modules. Got a third for 2 them while still getting a good 2:1 for the other 2. I do have and applied with extenuating circumstances- but saw little success obviously.

This year(second year) had a academic turnaround---averaging a high 2:1 across all modules. I'm just looking to get the past the intial stages of applications- last year was a bit disheartening. Overall I am quite okay with my results since first year doesn't count.

But wanted the POV on how firms generally look/respond or react to a trajectory like this! I have excellent extra-curriculars so that shouldn' be an issue. But do not want to lower my ambitions, want to get that vac scheme/TC in my third year and will be going ahead applying to MC/SC firms as well!

 

[Jaysen]

Hi TCLA,

Just wanted to get a quick outlook on my application prospects this year. I go to a RG uni and had a blip in first year for two of my modules. Got a third for 2 them while still getting a good 2:1 for the other 2. I do have and applied with extenuating circumstances- but saw little success obviously.

This year(second year) had a academic turnaround---averaging a high 2:1 across all modules. I'm just looking to get the past the intial stages of applications- last year was a bit disheartening. Overall I am quite okay with my results since first year doesn't count.

But wanted the POV on how firms generally look/respond or react to a trajectory like this! I have excellent extra-curriculars so that shouldn' be an issue. But do not want to lower my ambitions, want to get that vac scheme/TC in my third year and will be going ahead applying to MC/SC firms as well!

The way I'd see this is that (1) you clearly had extenuating circumstances in your first year and (2) you showed progression from first year to second year with a high 2:1.

I'd still keep in mind the need to write many high quality applications to firms you are interested in (and definitely do the bit extra of meeting as many firms as you can), but this won't hold you back from getting a training contract

 

[noctkul]

The way I'd see this is that (1) you clearly had extenuating circumstances in your first year and (2) you showed progression from first year to second year with a high 2:1.

I'd still keep in mind the need to write many high quality applications to firms you are interested in (and definitely do the bit extra of meeting as many firms as you can), but this won't hold you back from getting a training contract

Thanks for the prompt reply! Yes, will definitely be investing in writting high quality applications and other aspects of the application.
Would you say that other than firms that are super-focused on grades: S&A and some US firms, I should have a fair chance at MC/SC firms?

I've just been through a flurry of posts on the forum and Reddit, which given their natural tendency have convinced me otherwise haha.
I will be appling regardless, but just thought to check as grades have been a sore point thanks!

 

[Jaysen]

Thanks for the prompt reply! Yes, will definitely be investing in writting high quality applications and other aspects of the application.
Would you say that other than firms that are super-focused on grades: S&A and some US firms, I should have a fair chance at MC/SC firms?

I've just been through a flurry of posts on the forum and Reddit, which given their natural tendency have convinced me otherwise haha.
I will be appling regardless, but just thought to check as grades have been a sore point thanks!

Yes I do. I've seen people with worse grades than yours secure a training contract with MC/SC and US firms.

The way I see it is that that's now out of your control. What you can do now is focus on getting on really good grades in your final year and nailing the law firm application process.

And we are here to help!