TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[jacksollaf]

How do you even manage to submit that many in such a short time frame? Think I have sent 8 to 9 applications so far and I am working on 3 currently to submit by the end of November. Bro is just built differently, I need to up my game! 🥲​

Personally, Ai... and I know a lot of people will probably say "yea but it'll sound so generic and lack detail" etc. But not at all... It all comes down to knowing how to use AI.

if you truly know how to use AI, then your answer will appear more human than an actual human 😂 Again, many law firms are integrating AI into their systems, and some are even requiring you use AI for a specific amount of time per year...

Plus in terms of efficiency, I wouldnt want to spend days on an application for it to go straight to junk because I couldn't pass the benchmark on tests; waste of time, energy, for nothing... Because at the end of the day, luck does play a huge role...

I did the same last year and I managed to secure at least 15 AC + interviews.. , and ended up doing a vac scheme..

Plus, assume you pass the SJT WG Assessments; they're going to quickly skim through it, they have hundreds of applications.. so long as it's a powerful answer that looks detailed and non-generic and human, they won't realise (again, that presupposes you're mastering the use of AI... which is what I focused on because Ai isn't going to replace lawyers, but it will replace lawyers who don't know how to use it)... So long as it's good, then it's good... They receive thousands of applications for 10 places, I doubt me spending 10 extra days to do it will heavily impact my chances of getting an AC...

Finally, most firms ask questions that require max 250-300 words... You can't really say as much as your research.... So you have to give the info to AI and then tell them about what you want to say and they'll do it... it takes literally max 30 mins (so you can follow up, correct, etc.)... it takes me more time to fill out my details and work experience than to answer the questions...

Again, everyone plays the game differently... What matters is that we all succeed, so hopefully we're all successful this cycle and get our choices! 🙏

 

[jacksollaf]

Well I think it depends. A lot of firms now place heavier emphasis on the tests (lots of firms have dropped application questions, and stuff like why commercial law, competency stories etc. can be reused anyway - firms look for very similar skills). You can then do focused, thorough research on the firm before AC.

No strategy is perfect, and 75 is a lot, but I think given how much luck is often required in this process, you do boost your chances by submitting as many applications as you can.

Fair enough... The whole point is for them to like you enough to get through to the AC stage... I wouldn't want to spend days and days researching only to not meet the benchmark ...

 

[jacksollaf]

This is crazy! Gotta respect it. That’s practically one per day.

How many have you progressed with so far?

Last year I did the same and progressed in about 40% .. This year, it's too early to tell, but from what I remember I passed the benchmark for Linklaters, DLA piper, HSF, Clifford Chance, A&O Shearman, and a few others... still waiting .. I got 92 on Linklaters WG (one of the categories I got 99) so im pretty hopeful about that + it's for their dubai vac and I speak three languages and grew up in the GCC for the first 18 years of my life, so hopefully that goes well

 

[abc124]

Fair enough... The whole point is for them to like you enough to get through to the AC stage... I wouldn't want to spend days and days researching only to not meet the benchmark ...

Yes exactly, that's what I was trying to say as well haha

 

[i-want-a-tc]

Personally, Ai... and I know a lot of people will probably say "yea but it'll sound so generic and lack detail" etc. But not at all... It all comes down to knowing how to use AI.

if you truly know how to use AI, then your answer will appear more human than an actual human 😂 Again, many law firms are integrating AI into their systems, and some are even requiring you use AI for a specific amount of time per year...

Plus in terms of efficiency, I wouldnt want to spend days on an application for it to go straight to junk because I couldn't pass the benchmark on tests; waste of time, energy, for nothing... Because at the end of the day, luck does play a huge role...

I did the same last year and I managed to secure at least 15 AC + interviews.. , and ended up doing a vac scheme..

Plus, assume you pass the SJT WG Assessments; they're going to quickly skim through it, they have hundreds of applications.. so long as it's a powerful answer that looks detailed and non-generic and human, they won't realise (again, that presupposes you're mastering the use of AI... which is what I focused on because Ai isn't going to replace lawyers, but it will replace lawyers who don't know how to use it)... So long as it's good, then it's good... They receive thousands of applications for 10 places, I doubt me spending 10 extra days to do it will heavily impact my chances of getting an AC...

Finally, most firms ask questions that require max 250-300 words... You can't really say as much as your research.... So you have to give the info to AI and then tell them about what you want to say and they'll do it... it takes literally max 30 mins (so you can follow up, correct, etc.)... it takes me more time to fill out my details and work experience than to answer the questions...

Again, everyone plays the game differently... What matters is that we all succeed, so hopefully we're all successful this cycle and get our choices! 🙏

I would always advise against this, but you are making sense. Spend 2 weeks on an app, just to fail test or for it to be overlooked because of something small or your academic history. The game is the game. Personally, I will continue tailoring my apps and take my time cause that's what I know. So far my apps are moving past first stage so it's the video interviews that are a challenge. If your strategy works for you, then I'm wishing you all the best.

 

[legallybald]

Links PFO. 99th percentile WG

 

[yk1906]

Links PFO. 99th percentile WG

So sorry... Was that for Winter or?

 

[Prudentia]

Personally, Ai... and I know a lot of people will probably say "yea but it'll sound so generic and lack detail" etc. But not at all... It all comes down to knowing how to use AI.

if you truly know how to use AI, then your answer will appear more human than an actual human 😂 Again, many law firms are integrating AI into their systems, and some are even requiring you use AI for a specific amount of time per year...

Plus in terms of efficiency, I wouldnt want to spend days on an application for it to go straight to junk because I couldn't pass the benchmark on tests; waste of time, energy, for nothing... Because at the end of the day, luck does play a huge role...

I did the same last year and I managed to secure at least 15 AC + interviews.. , and ended up doing a vac scheme..

Plus, assume you pass the SJT WG Assessments; they're going to quickly skim through it, they have hundreds of applications.. so long as it's a powerful answer that looks detailed and non-generic and human, they won't realise (again, that presupposes you're mastering the use of AI... which is what I focused on because Ai isn't going to replace lawyers, but it will replace lawyers who don't know how to use it)... So long as it's good, then it's good... They receive thousands of applications for 10 places, I doubt me spending 10 extra days to do it will heavily impact my chances of getting an AC...

Finally, most firms ask questions that require max 250-300 words... You can't really say as much as your research.... So you have to give the info to AI and then tell them about what you want to say and they'll do it... it takes literally max 30 mins (so you can follow up, correct, etc.)... it takes me more time to fill out my details and work experience than to answer the questions...

Again, everyone plays the game differently... What matters is that we all succeed, so hopefully we're all successful this cycle and get our choices! 🙏

Fair play! I still couldn’t put in 75 applications even with the use of AI, so I tip my imaginary hat to you.

I also completely agree with you about the use of AI. AI is a very powerful, time-saving tool if you know how to prompt it properly.

 

[JasmineM9]

Anyone heard back from W&C re winter scheme? Ready for a rejection 🥹

 

[Alturistic whale]

Anyone who did GD Cappfinity test, how long did it take you to receive a confirmation email?

 

[Alturistic whale]

Links PFO. 99th percentile WG

If there's any consolation LegallyBald, you are a GOAT in my opinion for reaching the 99th percentile for Links WG!

 

[xMontmorency]

Personally, Ai... and I know a lot of people will probably say "yea but it'll sound so generic and lack detail" etc. But not at all... It all comes down to knowing how to use AI.

if you truly know how to use AI, then your answer will appear more human than an actual human 😂 Again, many law firms are integrating AI into their systems, and some are even requiring you use AI for a specific amount of time per year...

Plus in terms of efficiency, I wouldnt want to spend days on an application for it to go straight to junk because I couldn't pass the benchmark on tests; waste of time, energy, for nothing... Because at the end of the day, luck does play a huge role...

I did the same last year and I managed to secure at least 15 AC + interviews.. , and ended up doing a vac scheme..

Plus, assume you pass the SJT WG Assessments; they're going to quickly skim through it, they have hundreds of applications.. so long as it's a powerful answer that looks detailed and non-generic and human, they won't realise (again, that presupposes you're mastering the use of AI... which is what I focused on because Ai isn't going to replace lawyers, but it will replace lawyers who don't know how to use it)... So long as it's good, then it's good... They receive thousands of applications for 10 places, I doubt me spending 10 extra days to do it will heavily impact my chances of getting an AC...

Finally, most firms ask questions that require max 250-300 words... You can't really say as much as your research.... So you have to give the info to AI and then tell them about what you want to say and they'll do it... it takes literally max 30 mins (so you can follow up, correct, etc.)... it takes me more time to fill out my details and work experience than to answer the questions...

Again, everyone plays the game differently... What matters is that we all succeed, so hopefully we're all successful this cycle and get our choices! 🙏

15 + ACs and only one vac scheme? Stop using AI and start prepping interview technique!