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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

spongebob

Star Member
Dec 8, 2025
33
56
It shouldn’t matter too much for most firms with the exception of maybe Slaughters, Cleary, Davis Polk and SullCrom who want high 2:1s.

I have a few 2:2 modules but mostly strong 2:1 and 1st’s and have gotten past app stage with Akin, Willkie, Skadden, Weil and Gibson Dunn.

I went to a northern RG (not Durham or Warwick) and so far I’ve had decent results. I think firms look at things holistically tbf.

Shaun The Sheep Movie Ok GIF
What counts as a high 2:1? Would it be 65+ or 68+
 

badmintonflyinginsect

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Jan 26, 2023
184
193
honestly i'm quite worried. i haven't been progressed at all to an AC this cycle and i'm unsure why. my applications haven't been super early or last minute. i'm worried about gibson dunn (applied 12 dec) which i know is rolling. idk i'm just looking for some comfort. i've only applied to summer schemes (unless that wasnt an option at all). PFO from skadden/latham/clifford chance (expecting DLA as well but i applied on the deadline).
 

Harvey Specter

Legendary Member
Jul 4, 2024
971
3,624
Thanks for this insight! Would you also know how strict both of these firms are with uni grades i.e. 21s across all models / high 2:1 etc?
I’m not sure tbh. Usually a firm will state if they’re after consistent 2:1 or high 2:1. Like HSFK and Linklaters say 2:1 for every module. :(
What counts as a high 2:1? Would it be 65+ or 68+
Diff firms seem to have diff interpretations but I think the general consensus is a ‘good’ or ‘strong’ 2:1 is 65-66 and a ‘high’ 2:1 is 67-69.​
 

Dannie

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Mar 20, 2024
138
173
honestly i'm quite worried. i haven't been progressed at all to an AC this cycle and i'm unsure why. my applications haven't been super early or last minute. i'm worried about gibson dunn (applied 12 dec) which i know is rolling. idk i'm just looking for some comfort. i've only applied to summer schemes (unless that wasnt an option at all). PFO from skadden/latham/clifford chance (expecting DLA as well but i applied on the deadline).
dw same here! I think we will hear in the coming 2 weeks, but i get you, its frustrating!
 

EfficientBag123

Legendary Member
  • Aug 23, 2024
    201
    237
    Just did the Baker McKenzie SJT, got a 3 on the "digital mindset". Am I cooked 😭

    I've literally studied modules (and done practical exams) in coding and building AI models - not quite sure how I managed to get 3 there. (Also got "excelled" in "Applied Verbal Intellect", and 7,7,6 in the other 3 sections)
    I got the exact same number of points as you. Got 4766 and excelled. I got VI. You’re sweet.
     

    flamingocelot

    Active Member
    Dec 18, 2025
    19
    24
    It shouldn’t matter too much for most firms with the exception of maybe Slaughters, Cleary, Davis Polk and SullCrom who want high 2:1s.

    I have a few 2:2 modules but mostly strong 2:1 and 1st’s and have gotten past app stage with Akin, Willkie, Skadden, Weil and Gibson Dunn.

    I went to a northern RG (not Durham or Warwick) and so far I’ve had decent results. I think firms look at things holistically tbf.

    Shaun The Sheep Movie Ok GIF
    Peak because I just noticed one of my top choices, Farrer and co, specifically wants a high 2:1... I went to their insight day, so hoping that gives me some brownie points
     

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