TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2021-22 (#1)

[golden99]

Hi guys, on the A&O vac scheme application there is no word limit in the work experience word limit. What would recommend as the words to use? @Jessica Booker

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi guys, on the A&O vac scheme application there is no word limit in the work experience word limit. What would recommend as the words to use? @Jessica Booker

It depends on the work experience. I’d expect a longer entry for something that has been complex, varied and for a long period of time (say up to 350-400 words), but that work experience that is fairly straight forward, for a short period of time, or was a very defined role with limited responsibilities may only need 100-150 words (if that).

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi. I've just submitted my application to A&O for the Winter Vacation Scheme, but they have since sent me two different emails with two separate and very different tests. One is the SJT that is mentioned on the website and the other is a 'Blended Assessment 2021'. I have never heard of this blended assessment test and it seems to have 3 parts (verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, and SJT). Given I have 48 hours to submit my response (for one of them at least), does anyone have any ideas on which one to do/or whether I should just ignore this brand new 'blended' test? Perhaps, @Jessica Booker you might have an idea of how to go about this situation?

I’d personally do both and not ignore either of them.

 

[golden99]

It depends on the work experience. I’d expect a longer entry for something that has been complex, varied and for a long period of time (say up to 350-400 words), but that work experience that is fairly straight forward, for a short period of time, or was a very defined role with limited responsibilities may only need 100-150 words (if that).

Thank you!

 

[Law2022]

When the A&O SJT test link says “ congratulations on reaching the next stage” lol ok maybe I will pretend this isn’t automatic

 

[lawstudent12345]

Hi, does anyone know if A&O uses the same questions for winter and summer VS? I have written my answers for the Winter VS but am wondering if I should wait for the Summer portal to open in a few days since they review apps on a rolling basis. I waited to submit my application because I was doing a particularly interesting extracurricular activity that I wanted to include in my answers (it ended two days ago).

Alternatively, if I submit my winter application now, do you think my chances have significantly reduced since it's been over 2 weeks since the portal opened? (I'm also assuming that registering an account but failing to submit an application does not have automatically make me 'blacklisted')

 

[golden99]

Hi, does anyone know if A&O uses the same questions for winter and summer VS? I have written my answers for the Winter VS but am wondering if I should wait for the Summer portal to open in a few days since they review apps on a rolling basis. I waited to submit my application because I was doing a particularly interesting extracurricular activity that I wanted to include in my answers (it ended two days ago).

Alternatively, if I submit my winter application now, do you think my chances have significantly reduced since it's been over 2 weeks since the portal opened? (I'm also assuming that registering an account but failing to submit an application does not have automatically make me 'blacklisted')

Is there a section to mention extra curricular’s on the app, I can’t find it

 

[lawstudent12345]

Is there a section to mention extra curricular’s on the app, I can’t find it

No but one of the two questions they ask is about the skills you've gained in work experience / extracurriculars etc and that's where i discussed it

 

[WillF]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if I should include mitigating circumstance information for my A-Level results when applying to Slaughter and May summer VS, as they of course have no minimum requirement but look for 'good A-Levels'? My predicted grades and coursework were above the grades given (my exams were cancelled last year).

@Jessica Booker any help would be amazing - thanks!

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi, does anyone know if A&O uses the same questions for winter and summer VS? I have written my answers for the Winter VS but am wondering if I should wait for the Summer portal to open in a few days since they review apps on a rolling basis. I waited to submit my application because I was doing a particularly interesting extracurricular activity that I wanted to include in my answers (it ended two days ago).

Alternatively, if I submit my winter application now, do you think my chances have significantly reduced since it's been over 2 weeks since the portal opened? (I'm also assuming that registering an account but failing to submit an application does not have automatically make me 'blacklisted')

It’s still early for the winter scheme. I doubt they have even got 20% of their apps yet.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if I should include mitigating circumstance information for my A-Level results when applying to Slaughter and May summer VS, as they of course have no minimum requirement but look for 'good A-Levels'? My predicted grades and coursework were above the grades given (my exams were cancelled last year).

@Jessica Booker any help would be amazing - thanks!

It will be obvious you took your A-levels during Covid - so it doesn’t need fully explaining. I’d probably just put in your CV your expected grades and that your exams were cancelled, alongside your actual grades.

 

[lawstudent12345]

It’s still early for the winter scheme. I doubt they have even got 20% of their apps yet.

Thank you for teh quick response !

 

[John Travoni]

Hi, does anyone know if A&O uses the same questions for winter and summer VS? I have written my answers for the Winter VS but am wondering if I should wait for the Summer portal to open in a few days since they review apps on a rolling basis. I waited to submit my application because I was doing a particularly interesting extracurricular activity that I wanted to include in my answers (it ended two days ago).

Alternatively, if I submit my winter application now, do you think my chances have significantly reduced since it's been over 2 weeks since the portal opened? (I'm also assuming that registering an account but failing to submit an application does not have automatically make me 'blacklisted')

The graduate recruitment and various A&O BAs have mentioned that they recommend you sending off your applications to the firm within the first 6 weeks of the portal opening. So please do not worry if you’re thinking your chances have reduced bc two weeks have passed by. It’s better that you’re spending more time reviewing your application and sending in a more precise and solid application instead of rushing it with the assumption that there’s a time limit to being successful and receiving an AC.

 

[ZaraB]

Please keep us updated if you do, I'm having the same issue!

I have sent grad rec a message and they did not respond to me but now I have the option to make a new application on the portal! Also tagging @Asil Ahmad @Lumree and @OB for your info.

I also checked their Instagram FAQ (as the one on their website doesn't mention it) but they welcome applications from previously unsuccessful applicants.

 

[OB]

I have sent grad rec a message and they did not respond to me but now I have the option to make a new application on the portal! Also tagging @Asil Ahmad @Lumree and @OB for your info.

I also checked their Instagram FAQ (as the one on their website doesn't mention it) but they welcome applications from previously unsuccessful applicants.

Thanks for the update!

 

[lawstudent12345]

The graduate recruitment and various A&O BAs have mentioned that they recommend you sending off your applications to the firm within the first 6 weeks of the portal opening. So please do not worry if you’re thinking your chances have reduced bc two weeks have passed by. It’s better that you’re spending more time reviewing your application and sending in a more precise and solid application instead of rushing it with the assumption that there’s a time limit to being successful and receiving an AC.

Thank you, that's really good to hear

 

[WillF]

It will be obvious you took your A-levels during Covid - so it doesn’t need fully explaining. I’d probably just put in your CV your expected grades and that your exams were cancelled, alongside your actual grades.

Thank you so much!

 

[Asil Ahmad]

I have sent grad rec a message and they did not respond to me but now I have the option to make a new application on the portal! Also tagging @Asil Ahmad @Lumree and @OB for your info.

I also checked their Instagram FAQ (as the one on their website doesn't mention it) but they welcome applications from previously unsuccessful applicants.

I was just about to post this I can start a new application now.

 

[Iqra]

Is there a thread for Ashurst's application questions for the winter vac scheme?

 

[zlegal]

For Ashurst's Winter Vacation Scheme application does the question "Please use this section to tell us about yourself, your skills, achievements and why you want to train as a solicitor and work at Ashurst. (750 words max)" need to be in the format of a cover letter with (Dear... ) or can it just be written as a normal application answer would be. I understand in previous years this was written in a cover letter style with a 1000-word requirement.