TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

trainee4u

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Sep 7, 2023
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Have a look at Paul Gascoyne’s session with TCLA, I think it was very helpful for understanding what they are looking for in candidates. I scored 23 in total in this year’s amberjack, and was invited to interview, so can confirm that a score of 23 overall will meet their benchmark. (just putting this out there to spread info)

Is that 23 out of 27 on a three-component SJT, no verbal/numerical reasoning?
 
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Chris Brown

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
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Is that 23 out of 27 on a three-component SJT, no verbal/numerical reasoning?
The test had four pillars for the SJT: grit, applied intellect, digital mindset and creative force. Each pillar was scored out of 9, so it was 36 in total. In my case, I got 24/36 across the four pillars (7566) which I’m guessing was high enough to get invited to the AC/interview stage. I imagine getting anything over 20 will probably be enough to meet the benchmark. 🙂

There is also a set of verbal and numerical reasoning questions (5 each). For reference, I scored in the middle for verbal and high for numerical. I am assuming this means I got around 3/5 for the verbal reasoning questions and 5/5 for the numerical reasoning questions. I am horrid at maths so this one definitely caught me off guard. 🥲

In total, there were 12 SJT questions, 5 verbal and 5 numerical reasoning questions. In terms of %, I think I got 66-67% on the SJT (8/12 of the questions). Overall, I think I got 16/22 for the test, which is around 72-73%. I remember Paul said they would assess the test scores and applications holistically so I don’t think too much emphasis was placed on the test. 🙂​
 
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tosin4774

Esteemed Member
Jun 6, 2024
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The test had four pillars for the SJT: grit, applied intellect, digital mindset and creative force. Each pillar was scored out of 9, so it was 36 in total. In my case, I got 24/36 across the four pillars (7566) which I’m guessing was high enough to get invited to the AC/interview stage. I imagine getting anything over 20 will probably be enough to meet the benchmark. 🙂

There is also a set of verbal and numerical reasoning questions (5 each). For reference, I scored in the middle for verbal and high for numerical. I am assuming this means I got around 3/5 for the verbal reasoning questions and 5/5 for the numerical reasoning questions. I am horrid at maths so this one definitely caught me off guard. 🥲

In total, there were 12 SJT questions, 5 verbal and 5 numerical reasoning questions. In terms of %, I think I got 66-67% on the SJT (8/12 of the questions). Overall, I think I got 16/22 for the test, which is around 72-73%. I remember Paul said they would assess the test scores and applications holistically so I don’t think too much emphasis was placed on the test. 🙂​
Do you know any website where one can practice?
 
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TCLA Community Assistant

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TCLA Moderator
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Graduate Recruitment
Premium Member
Forum Team
Aug 1, 2019
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Hi everyone,

I’m in a bit of a dilemma and would really appreciate any advice. I’ve received AC invitations from both Weil and Milbank, but unfortunately, they can only schedule me in for the same day—Wednesday. I’ve worked hard for both opportunities, so it’s frustrating to have to choose just one.

Would you have any suggestions on how to approach this decision? Also, is there anything I could ask the graduate recruitment teams to potentially reconsider their scheduling and accommodate me on a different day?

@Jessica Booker or anyone else!
You should ask both teams whether they can reschedule in the first instance. It could easily be either of them can allocate you to another date and then you wouldn’t have to worry about this.

I would choose the firm which is your top preference if it isn’t possible to reschedule either of them.
 

Chris Brown

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
606
2,322
Do you know any website where one can practice?
I’m not entirely sure tbh. I didn’t do any practice tests (not the smartest decision I’ve made this cycle) but instead I watched some YouTube videos on the amberjack assessment. They helped to break down the nature of the test. There were a few videos I watched. I searched ‘amberjack test guidance for beginners’ and found some videos that I made notes on as they went on (kind of like a uni lecture). 🙂

I then had a look at the different pillars and sub-pillars that the test assesses and for each question on the test I compared them to the pillars to determine which one was being asked of me. I drew a table and tried to weigh up the four options to figure out which ones were the strongest and weakest responses to the question. This wasn’t the easiest process for me because I am neurodivergent, but I guess I somehow managed to make it through. 🥲

I think this kind of test is very hit or miss in that it can be so unpredictable. Some firms will place a lot of emphasis on the test scores, some could use it to filter out applicants, and some might just use it to assess people alongside looking at their applications. This is what I think Paul, Weiss did (holistic overview).​
 
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Question for Linklaters/Hogan Lovells/Mishcon summer VS applicants...
Is it fair to assume PFO if I haven't heard back yet? Please reply if you have any insights - I've heard Links has sent some AC invites so I'm not sure whether anymore will be sent out 😔
I'm also waiting for these three + TS. I don't think MdR has sent any VI invites or PFOs for summer. Not sure about the other two. But considering their relatively large intake I'd say there's probably more invites to be sent out!
 

aphelion

Distinguished Member
Premium Member
Apr 4, 2023
72
318
Question for Linklaters/Hogan Lovells/Mishcon summer VS applicants...
Is it fair to assume PFO if I haven't heard back yet? Please reply if you have any insights - I've heard Links has sent some AC invites so I'm not sure whether anymore will be sent out 😔
Mishcon said mid-February for summer VS applicants. I haven't heard back from them and I don't think anyone else has. Given it's the 15th today, I'm assuming they will get back to us next week.
 
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theruleofno

Distinguished Member
Jan 5, 2024
64
154
Question for Linklaters/Hogan Lovells/Mishcon summer VS applicants...
Is it fair to assume PFO if I haven't heard back yet? Please reply if you have any insights - I've heard Links has sent some AC invites so I'm not sure whether anymore will be sent out 😔
I heard back from Linklaters last week. I assume there are more AC invites to come so I wouldn’t let up hope yet.
 

Wannabe_Lawyer

Legendary Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Jul 22, 2018
197
240
Even if they have and you haven't received word yet they might still interview you for summer. I assume they have had a massive amount of applications this year and are struggling to get through them all.
I really hope you're right! I was looking through past years' comments and the pfos seemed to have come in early Feb and the interview invites were given earlier than that.
 
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