TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[jta227]

Hi @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam

I’ve seen a lot of posts on here about typos, so I need some advice. I just submitted my application to BM and saved a copy to my PC. When I was submitting it, nothing was flagged on the portal, and it all seemed fine. But now, looking at the saved version on Word, I see four red-underlined errors.

They’re things like “organsing” and “commerical” — stuff that didn’t stand out at all when I was proofreading. I went over this application so many times, spent days on it, and even had other people check it. I also did an insight scheme with this firm, so I’m feeling super frustrated and worried right now.

I know one typo might get overlooked, but four feels like it’ll mean rejection. The only thing giving me a tiny bit of hope is that maybe some of these errors aren’t obvious without a spell-check system.

Any advice or thoughts on this?

I'm not them, but I made this mistake in my first two applications of this cycle, especially with US vs UK spellings. I didn't even realise until I got my first PFO and went back to check and was like omg how did I do that. From then I decided to write every application in Word (with proofing language set to British English), I would highly recommend doing that!

I don't know anything about BM (I'm yet to write my application lol) but I know a few firms read applications with a spellchecker and some don't. If it helps, I still got progressed in an application this cycle where I made a bad typo. Not 4, but one bad one (the sentence didn't make sense). We can't really predict how any specific gradrec member will react at a specific time or whether they'll even notice so at this point I'd just hope for the best and make sure future applications don't have that mistake.

 

[Shandy101]

I was told by grad recruitment that they only look at applicants’ responses to the online questions (thoroughly) if you’ve passed the Watson Glaser, and that one reason they have it is to make their lives easier with less applications to review? Unless you mean something different?

They may initially scan for spelling or other obvious mistakes; it's unclear whether there is an initial review and, if so, to what degree, so I emailed GR for a more definitive answer. I will share with the group once I have a reply.

 

[TCLA Community Assistant]

Hi @Jessica Booker @Ram Sabaratnam

I’ve seen a lot of posts on here about typos, so I needed some advice please. I just submitted my application to BM and saved a copy to my PC. When I was submitting it, nothing was flagged on the portal, and it all seemed fine. But now, looking at the saved version on Word, I see four red-underlined errors.

They’re things like “organsing” and “commerical” — stuff that didn’t stand out at all when I was proofreading. I went over this application so many times, spent days on it, and even had other people check it. I also did an insight scheme with this firm, so I’m feeling super frustrated and worried right now.

I know one typo might get overlooked, but four feels like it’ll mean rejection. The only thing giving me a tiny bit of hope is that maybe some of these errors aren’t obvious without a spell-check system.

Any advice or thoughts on this?

I encourage people to focus on what they can change rather than the things they cannot.

I would consider how you can implement a checking/proof reading process that sits outside of applicant tracking systems so you can pick up errors like these for future applications rather than worrying about what may or may not be picked up in this particular application.

 

[kokoprep]

I applied a little before midnight, so not quite on the deadline, and heard back yesterday.

You got VI?

 

[Tclarocks123]

Is it risky to use two reasons as opposed to 3 for responding to "Why this firm"? The word limit is 300

 

[jojo23]

Is it risky to use two reasons as opposed to 3 for responding to "Why this firm"? The word limit is 300

2 might be better because you can provide a more detailed explanation for each reason

 

[Chris Brown]

Is it risky to use two reasons as opposed to 3 for responding to "Why this firm"? The word limit is 300

I would normally choose 3 reasons and try to allocate an even word count to each one e.g., 100 words per reason. This is a good balance between explaining your motivation but writing it in a coherent and succinct way.

If you feel that you will not be able to get your ideas across in that limit then I would say it’s best to choose two reasons and give more depth for each one. I would just make sure that the two points are thought out and tailored to the firm you are applying to.​

 

[cjwx]

Honestly I don’t know why firms don’t make you complete the test before you can even look at the application. It would save so much time if you failed and your app wouldn’t even be looked at.

 

[aspiringcitylawyer]

has Hogan Lovells sent out any AC invites already?

 

[yasmars]

Honestly I don’t know why firms don’t make you complete the test before you can even look at the application. It would save so much time you be you failed and you me app wouldn’t even be looked at.

100% agree with this. They want to condense their workload by having tests, why not condense ours

 

[WillkieGemma]

I applied to Willkie on the 18th and still haven't heard back when others have, should I just assume PFO?

Hi @baj5 - around 50% of the total number of applications came in between 18 and 20 December. I am working my way through them all (it is just me reviewing), which does take time. Please do bear in mind 18th is only 7 working days ago.

 

[MR218]

Does anyone have any advice for the W&C VI? Happy to share AC insights for Cleary, HSF and Skadden.

 

[baj5]

Hi @baj5 - around 50% of the total number of applications came in between 18 and 20 December. I am working my way through them all (it is just me reviewing), which does take time. Please do bear in mind 18th is only 7 working days ago.

Hi Gemma, thank you so much for clarifying!!

 

[lawzade02]

Did anyone try to record their SQE results on Baker McKenzie's application page? If yes, where did you put them? Thank you.

 

[kokoprep]

Does anyone have any advice for the W&C VI? Happy to share AC insights for Cleary, HSF and Skadden.

Hey - when did you apply?

 

[MR218]

Hey - when did you apply?

For W&C? I think it was like 23rd of November x

 

[jacksollaf]

I was told by grad recruitment that they only look at applicants’ responses to the online questions (thoroughly) if you’ve passed the Watson Glaser, and that one reason they have it is to make their lives easier with less applications to review? Unless you mean something different?

For W&C? I think it was like 23rd of November x

was it a summer vs or spring?

 

[MR218]

was it a summer vs or spring?

Spring

 

[jacksollaf]

If I am in my penultimate year, do I need to add details regarding my SEQs (dates etc) or is it ok if we don't add them since it's a bit early to determine...

 

[jacksollaf]

Spring

Thank you! best of luck