TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[stilltrying]

Anyone still yet to hear back from HSF Kramer after meeting online test benchmark for Winter VS? Is it safe to assume PFO?

Still waiting too, someone said that next week is their last week of AC's not sure how accurate that is though, can anyone confirm this?

 

[arbitrationfan]

Anyone still yet to hear back from HSF Kramer after meeting online test benchmark for Winter VS? Is it safe to assume PFO?

I've not heard, I imagine invites will probably come out in the next week or so. If any later then probably a PFO.

 

[l789]

Does anyone have a link for the Freshfields Strava talk later? I received an email confirming my place but there's no link to join a call?

sign up with another email address. I’ve been having the same issue with HSF events on the candid platform.

Just used another email address and it sent it to there.

Not sure what the issue is in general, because I don’t have that problem when registering for Willkie events.

 

[Amgrad]

Does anyone have a link for the Freshfields Strava talk later? I received an email confirming my place but there's no link to join a call?

Hey! It's there on the confirmation mail, the day when you're registering. You can DM me if you still can't find the link.

 

[SamiyaJ]

Is it still worth applying to Simmons since ACs are starting to go out?

 

[CommerciallyAware]

Simmons AC!

Congratulations! Do you mind sharing your scores from the feedback report?

 

[c.t.tc]

Is it still worth applying to Simmons since ACs are starting to go out?

Applications only opened on the 15th and the first test invites weren’t sent out before the 20th I don’t think so you have more than enough time still

 

[johnsmith]

Is it still worth applying to Simmons since ACs are starting to go out?

Yes they’re rolling!

 

[apap]

Does anyone have a link for the Freshfields Strava talk later? I received an email confirming my place but there's no link to join a call?

I am! I also had the same question

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

would appreciate any advice on PW WVS interview - very worried!

Hi!

Just to add to the other great replies - I interviewed for their spring vacation scheme last year, and I thought I'd share a few additional tips that might be helpful.

I'd recommend reviewing your original application before the interview as I was asked several questions about my academics, work experience, and extra-curricular activities that I had mentioned in the form. This information will likely be fresh in your mind anyway, but it's worth revisiting any specific examples or experiences that you highlighted.

Also, if you plan to use commercial terms, make sure you can clearly explain what they mean. As others have said, it's important to understand private equity (both in practice and more generally) give the firm's strong presence in that market. In my interview, I was challenged on my viewpoints and asked to unpack key concepts, so having a solid understanding going in really helps.

Overall, it felt like the interviewers were genuinely keen to learn more about my experiences and motivations for PW so I'd try not to worry too much (easier said than done, I know!). As long as you are able to reflect on your past experiences, discuss your motivations for the firm, and display commercial awareness, you'll be fine!

Best of luck for the interview

 

[watson_glazer]

When an AC says they'll get back to you "week of" x day, does that usually mean at the start or the end of the week?

 

[i-want-a-tc]

HSFK rejection after passing the benchmark. I spoke to early careers at an even yesterday and they said they were applying a strict rule of 2.1 on all modules. However, they would allow a handful 2.2s with mitigating circumstances so I was expecting PFO.

 

[Amgrad]

For a timed written assessment, is our work will be automatically submitted if we running out of time? I was panicking when I had 5 seconds left after checking the grammar, syntax, and spelling errors. I was about to click submit, but it says I am done.

 

[mhjl]

W&C VI invite

 

[emily3827]

how bad is it to ask for a VI extension... im on holiday lol or do I just try and firm it

 

[nonlawstudent98]

White & Case VI invite!!

 

[silonthesofa]

HSFK rejection after passing the benchmark. I spoke to early careers at an even yesterday and they said they were applying a strict rule of 2.1 on all modules. However, they would allow a handful 2.2s with mitigating circumstances so I was expecting PFO.

Did the email come in just now? Good info to know, though even with mitigating circumstances, drawing the line at 2.2s if the overall classification is a 2.1 seems a bit harsh depending on how impactful the circumstances are.

 

[abc124]

'You will be given two minutes to both prepare and record your answers' A bit of a stupid question maybe, but does that mean 2mins prep time and then 2mins speaking time? Or does it mean I have to plan and record my answer within 2mins...

 

[emily3827]

'You will be given two minutes to both prepare and record your answers' A bit of a stupid question maybe, but does that mean 2mins prep time and then 2mins speaking time? Or does it mean I have to plan and record my answer within 2mins...

I did it last year and it was 15 seconds prep with 1 min 45 secs to answer so two mins overall !

 

[abc124]

I did it last year and it was 15 seconds prep with 1 min 45 secs to answer so two mins overall !

Oh omg I would have never guessed, thanks so much!