TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

pleasepleaseplease

Legendary Member
Oct 14, 2024
157
140
I have got my final year results back and I have three 2:1s and three 2:2s. My overall grade is a low 2:1. How low have my chances become of getting a training contract? For context, I am an international student and to stay in the UK, I would require a decent salary so that it meets the salary threshold to get a work visa but most well-paying firms demand a high 2:1 if I'm not wrong

@Amma Usman
 
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yk1906

Esteemed Member
Aug 26, 2024
77
56
I have got my final year results back and I have three 2:1s and three 2:2s. My overall grade is a low 2:1. How low have my chances become of getting a training contract? For context, I am an international student and to stay in the UK, I would require a decent salary so that it meets the salary threshold to get a work visa but most well-paying firms demand a high 2:1 if I'm not wrong
I don’t think most firms are too strict with the grades. Just apply anyway!
 
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SarahO

Active Member
Premium Member
Aug 7, 2020
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I have got my final year results back and I have three 2:1s and three 2:2s. My overall grade is a low 2:1. How low have my chances become of getting a training contract? For context, I am an international student and to stay in the UK, I would require a decent salary so that it meets the salary threshold to get a work visa but most well-paying firms demand a high 2:1 if I'm not wrong
Hello, congratulations on your result and your 2:1! While most firms might appreciate a high 2:1 or a 1st, the actual requirement most firms have is that you have a 2:1, 'low' or not. With your grade you can apply to lots of firms that pay high enough to pass the salary threshold, simply leverage your other skills and achievements to stand out from the crowd, since most people will have a 2:1. HFW that pays well is still open and their requirement is a 2:1, which you have.

Also most applications close on 11:59pm on the day stated as you might have experienced with W&C, as you asked earlier. But of course, check if they have stated otherwise, and then note that as the deadline.

Good luck, you are eligible and capable!
 
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apap

Well-Known Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Feb 3, 2025
22
17
I have got my final year results back and I have three 2:1s and three 2:2s. My overall grade is a low 2:1. How low have my chances become of getting a training contract? For context, I am an international student and to stay in the UK, I would require a decent salary so that it meets the salary threshold to get a work visa but most well-paying firms demand a high 2:1 if I'm not wrong

@Amma Usman
Firms like BCLP have no minimum requirements and pay high salaries. Most firms that aren't US or MC firms just want a 2:1 regardless of it being high or low.

You'll be okay.
 

tobywstress

Star Member
Nov 9, 2022
28
7
Does anyone know if HFW/HL/Stephenson Harwood is strict with their 2:1 requirement?

I have confirmed a low 2:1 average. Most of my grades in second and final year had been mid 2:1 to first, just one blip in every year (core, one high 2:2, one 3rd). All my commercial law modules were at least mid 2:1s

I have gotten past RS application form stage before that 3rd came out and now I’m worried that my future apps will be held down significantly.
 

TortillaTC

Esteemed Member
May 10, 2025
78
54
HFW closes in 4 days and it’s been open since October - any point in applying if I can submit a tailored, high quality app? They’ve had ACs already if I saw right on the forum.

Update: just talked to their HR and there’s only been 1 AC so far, but they did state that it’s going to be much more competitive to apply in the next few days
 
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yuk0n

Star Member
Apr 4, 2021
34
98
I have got my final year results back and I have three 2:1s and three 2:2s. My overall grade is a low 2:1. How low have my chances become of getting a training contract? For context, I am an international student and to stay in the UK, I would require a decent salary so that it meets the salary threshold to get a work visa but most well-paying firms demand a high 2:1 if I'm not wrong

@Amma Usman
Just wanted to interject with my own experience. I got a low 2:1 too, with a non-insignificant number of 2:2 module results (on balance more 2:1 results however). I've managed to get to the AC stage with several MC and American firms, including getting a vac scheme with an American firm that I've heard is more strict on grades (I'm not sure how true it is that they are though).

I will say that my extracurriculars/experience is pretty strong and I did study a law degree at Oxbridge. I also had mitigating circumstances, HOWEVER, I didn't declare these for a couple of firms (just because I only started to declare them mid-cycle at someone else's advice) and still got interviews at these top firms. The point I'm getting at is that for many firms (I imagine there are a few firms that will scrutinise the finer details of your 2:1 so not 100% of them), for the most part the 2:1 is the grade at the top of the paper, and whilst there may be some further scrutiny you meet the requirements so it won't be disqualifying.

Can't comment anything re: the international visa stuff, sorry.
 

apap

Well-Known Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Feb 3, 2025
22
17
Yeah, most likely. I thought I did quite well in the VI, but after the general feedback report, I can safely say I probably missed some steps which would make my submissions stronger. Ah well, part & parcel of the TC application process.
Yes, I compared my VI feedback with someone else and it's identical so not sure it's actually indicative as to how you did. I wrote all my answers down after I completed the VI while they were fresh in my mind so I can improve on them for the upcoming Vac Scheme applications. RS was never even on my radar but after this I am determined to reapply and hopefully get past their test and VI.

I'll dm you :)
 

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