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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

LaDiva

Esteemed Member
Premium Member
  • Jul 7, 2025
    75
    51
    I'm just wondering, since I'm in 2nd year, if I can't secure a TC this cycle and end up applying again in my final year, won't that significantly reduce the pool of firms I can apply to? from what I've seen loads require that you're in you're 2nd year of a law degree? does that mean I'll have to wait until after I graduate to apply again?
     

    silonthesofa

    Esteemed Member
    Feb 7, 2025
    83
    72
    I'm just wondering, since I'm in 2nd year, if I can't secure a TC this cycle and end up applying again in my final year, won't that significantly reduce the pool of firms I can apply to? from what I've seen loads require that you're in you're 2nd year of a law degree? does that mean I'll have to wait until after I graduate to apply again?
    The requirement is at least in your second year of a law degree or final year of a non-law degree. I don't know of any firm that doesn't allow final year law students to apply...
     

    Chak

    Star Member
    Jan 5, 2026
    31
    34
    I'm just wondering, since I'm in 2nd year, if I can't secure a TC this cycle and end up applying again in my final year, won't that significantly reduce the pool of firms I can apply to? from what I've seen loads require that you're in you're 2nd year of a law degree? does that mean I'll have to wait until after I graduate to apply again?
    I am now applying in my final year and I must say I almost never have any issues! I think the majority of firms are absolutely okay with it.
     
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    Bread

    Legendary Member
    Jan 30, 2024
    271
    505
    I'd just like to quickly chime in about the WG/SJT discussion.
    Standardised testing is fine and objective all you want. However, the WG and SJT are not exactly standardised.

    Wiki defines ST as: a test that is administered and scored in a consistent or standard manner. It follows that these tests should be easy to practice, consistent to one another, and (most importantly) have correct answers.

    WG: is administered by loads of different providers with different standards as to what is "correct." This makes it almost impossible to practice and do consistently well in, because correct answers fluctuate massively depending on the test provider. In addition, certain sections are weighted differently depending on the administrator or the firm.

    SJT: do not even get me started. These -- cappfinity in particular -- have absolutely no correct answer. The options each measure a different trait, and lord knows how the slider ones are scored. People routinely get the same quality as their best and worst after taking the same test, which is a clear indication that these tests are bullsh*t. Absolute laziness from firms tbh.

    And that is before taking into account how these are used in recruitment. If these were being used consistently and in a standard manner, candidates who score highest would automatically progress, right? But that is not the case. In addition, I really dislike how these are used to "predict behaviour" that is seemingly inconsistent with reality.

    TLDR: i am frustrated at the opaque and frankly somewhat lazy recruitment process.
     

    DoNotRedeem

    Star Member
    Dec 19, 2025
    40
    101
    I'd just like to quickly chime in about the WG/SJT discussion.
    Standardised testing is fine and objective all you want. However, the WG and SJT are not exactly standardised.

    Wiki defines ST as: a test that is administered and scored in a consistent or standard manner. It follows that these tests should be easy to practice, consistent to one another, and (most importantly) have correct answers.

    WG: is administered by loads of different providers with different standards as to what is "correct." This makes it almost impossible to practice and do consistently well in, because correct answers fluctuate massively depending on the test provider. In addition, certain sections are weighted differently depending on the administrator or the firm.

    SJT: do not even get me started. These -- cappfinity in particular -- have absolutely no correct answer. The options each measure a different trait, and lord knows how the slider ones are scored. People routinely get the same quality as their best and worst after taking the same test, which is a clear indication that these tests are bullsh*t. Absolute laziness from firms tbh.

    And that is before taking into account how these are used in recruitment. If these were being used consistently and in a standard manner, candidates who score highest would automatically progress, right? But that is not the case. In addition, I really dislike how these are used to "predict behaviour" that is seemingly inconsistent with reality.

    TLDR: i am frustrated at the opaque and frankly somewhat lazy recruitment process.
    Agree completely with this .
     
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    WillKitchen

    Esteemed Member
  • Aug 28, 2025
    92
    275
    I just completed the WBD Neurosight test. My first test of this type.

    That's an interesting one. You place your mouse in a set position, a question appears, then after 5 seconds a few possible choices appear on screen and you move the mouse to the one that reflects your immediate thoughts. I heard that they track mouse movements to gauge authentic responses.

    Makes a nice change from WG, of course!
     
    Does anyone have any advice on maintaining momentum? This hasn’t been a great cycle for me and honestly this whole process makes me feel stupid lol I don’t know if it’s worth it to continue to pursue this career anymore
    everyone whos made it has felt exactly like you do. no one goes through this without thinking of giving up or switching to something different. thinking abt that keeps me going too. momentum can peak and trough so dont worry, just keep believing in your head and if you want it bad enough, no reason to say you cant do it :)
     
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    floral.tcla

    Legendary Member
    Premium Member
    Aug 15, 2024
    264
    399
    Firm A - international Firm in London who have offered me a TC

    Firm B - Freshfields

    I have my Freshfields AC in 3 weeks time which massively clashes with the 7 day deadline given to me by Firm A, even if I were hear back from Freshfields immediately. Any thoughts would be massively appreciated!
    First off, congrats!!💃💃 I can definitely see why this is a hard choice.
    If I were you, I would take the tc… acs especially at MCs are ridiculously competitive but this is my risk appetite given that job market is trenches rn, but it is ultimately your choice and your preferences.
     

    Jennifer2003

    Valued Member
    Sep 17, 2025
    120
    174
    I was wondering if anybody could give me some advice:
    I have an interview on 5th Feb and I assumed I’d get cover for work so accepted it as it was the only date and time available (I think it is the last day the firm is doing ACs) however nobody at work can cover me now. I know it’s completely my fault and really irresponsible to accept the ac before 100% knowing I could make it, but I’ve never not been able to get a shift covered/rearranged so I didn’t deep it. If I ask the firm for another date, is it likely they would be understanding?
     

    User2640

    Distinguished Member
    Premium Member
    Jul 19, 2024
    51
    30
    I just completed the WBD Neurosight test. My first test of this type.

    That's an interesting one. You place your mouse in a set position, a question appears, then after 5 seconds a few possible choices appear on screen and you move the mouse to the one that reflects your immediate thoughts. I heard that they track mouse movements to gauge authentic responses.

    Makes a nice change from WG, of course!
    How many seconds do we have to choose for each qs if I may ask?
     

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