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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

I think my cycle has finally closed, still awaiting a few firms but assuming PFOs from them. From 33 applications, I managed to get to 3 ACs and fortunately managed to convert all of them! Unfortunately, two of them do clash at the exact same time... Feeling slightly bummed about this since I'd worked a lot towards them but the timing was just unfortunate. Anyways, just wanted to say to everyone to never give up. There was so much I learnt from applying this cycle, through rejections and progressions. There were so many times I felt so demoralised and wanted to give up, but there is light at the end of the tunnel and I believe that persistence will pay off! All the best to everyone!!
This is such an amazing outcome - huge congratulations!! Converting all 3 ACs is super impressive and clearly shows how much work you've put in this cycle.

I can also completely understand why you'd feel gutted about the clash, and it is definitely unfortunate that most firms run their schemes at a similar time! However, having that choice in itself is a strong position to be in (even if slightly frustrating!), and given your success rate with the ACs, I'm sure you'll see similar results with the schemes themselves!

It is also a good reminder that the process is tough, but persistence genuinely does pay off in the end! Massive well done again, and I hope you get the chance to properly celebrate!! 🥳

Great Job GIF by MOODMAN
 
Guys during my VS offer call the HR lady told me that they "over-offered" places on the scheme - am I cooked?

I'm wondering how many more places a firm can in theory offer than they planned for, does anybody have any thoughts on this and/or similar experiences?

HR did take a reassuring tone immediately though, saying that they "hope to place some participants on a 2027 TC" (which seemingly wasn't an option during the cycle). The conversion rate was 50-53% originally, I hope it won't dip much because of this. This is a US firm.

@Abbie Whitlock would really appreciate your thoughts on this!
 
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Any advice on a question that asks during the Vacation Scheme please indicate if there are any specific areas you would like to experience during the vacation scheme. But there is another question in the application about which practice areas would you like to specialise in during your training contract and beyond and why? I don't want to sound repetitive in the both questions. Any advice would be insightful.
 
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Reactions: Abbie Whitlock

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