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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Who does that 😭😭 I finally relaxed thinking I survived another day but no they had to interrupt my wind down tiktok scroll
yesss 😂 let’s all get together and have a party to roast these pfos!
I’m in my second cycle and I’m honestly shaken.
Last year I applied to 7 firms and got through the application stage at all of them (some rejections came after the VI / written exercises). I made it to 3 ACs, but I was rejected post-AC every time.
I spent the past year fixing the exact things I thought sunk me — I drilled interviews weekly, I read the FT daily, listened to the FT News Briefing, read All You Need to Know About the City, and I genuinely feel like I understand the market now. I’m far more fluent talking through deals, current trends, and events.
So far this year I’ve applied to 3 winter schemes — 3 straight rejections at the application stage. I don’t understand how it’s gone backwards.
I feel like I’ve done everything you’re “supposed” to do. I graduated with a first from an RG university and ranked in the top 5% of my cohort while working multiple jobs. I published research and was invited to present at Harvard. I sat on committees for multiple societies. I took a chance and moved to London to make this career work. I couldn’t get a paralegal role, so I’m in retail.
I don’t know anyone here (only moved to the UK to go to uni) and then to London to get a TC and build a life. I feel so stupid and SO defeated.
Right now it feels like I’m free-falling and I genuinely dont know what to do.
I’m not looking for sympathy I just need clarity. Is this normal? Are firms just this cut-throat this year? Is it algorithmic screening? Is it the market? What do I do????
Last year I applied to 7 firms and got through the application stage at all of them (some rejections came after the VI / written exercises). I made it to 3 ACs, but I was rejected post-AC every time.
I spent the past year fixing the exact things I thought sunk me — I drilled interviews weekly, I read the FT daily, listened to the FT News Briefing, read All You Need to Know About the City, and I genuinely feel like I understand the market now. I’m far more fluent talking through deals, current trends, and events.
So far this year I’ve applied to 3 winter schemes — 3 straight rejections at the application stage. I don’t understand how it’s gone backwards.
I feel like I’ve done everything you’re “supposed” to do. I graduated with a first from an RG university and ranked in the top 5% of my cohort while working multiple jobs. I published research and was invited to present at Harvard. I sat on committees for multiple societies. I took a chance and moved to London to make this career work. I couldn’t get a paralegal role, so I’m in retail.
I don’t know anyone here (only moved to the UK to go to uni) and then to London to get a TC and build a life. I feel so stupid and SO defeated.
Right now it feels like I’m free-falling and I genuinely dont know what to do.
I’m not looking for sympathy I just need clarity. Is this normal? Are firms just this cut-throat this year? Is it algorithmic screening? Is it the market? What do I do????
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still nothing from White & Case post application while so many people have progressed past that, should i just assume pfo?
Thank you so much for the help Abbie!☺️Hi!
Great question! I wouldn’t limit it strictly to academic or work challenges - the question is designed to get to know you as a person, not just an applicant. They’re looking for something that shows self-awareness, resilience, or personal growth, and how that experience has shaped the way you approach things today.
That could definitely come from university or work (such as adapting to a demanding placement or handling a setback), but it can also come from something more personal - for example, moving to a new place, balancing competing commitments, or dealing with a situation that pushed you out of your comfort zone.
The important part is to link it back to what you learned about yourself and how it’s influenced your attitude and skills which will be relevant to how you build connections with colleagues and clients (e.g. teamwork, empathy, or perseverance).
I hope that helps!
Hey I just want to say I'm in the same position as you. 5 Acs last year. no offer. doing all the right things from top uni to grades to research, extras.... it feels so hard. But know you're not alone.
And to add to this, last year I got a vac scheme and wasn’t even offered a TC interview and this year so far it has been straight rejections after tests and paper app stage. It is so defeating but jokes aside, we’re all in it together.
5th PFO from Covington this Cycle. Applied to all three legal horizons, mentorship scheme and Open day. They DEFINITELY do not want me. Was going to apply for their spring vs but I’ll pass 🤬🤬😡
Also has anyone else not heard back from WEIL post app?
At this point we need a 🫂 reaction emoji to send across warmth in moments like these!
Hear me out, ✨️tcla karaoke✨️
Brave of y'all for sharing your stories. My heart goes out to you.
We're in this together!
As an international student with an MBA and LLM academically, international qualification and work experience, I am still finding it tough to get through the application or the mandatory test stage! With the Visa clock ticking and the pressure and guilt of giving up a perfectly fine life to be an English Solicitor hitting up, the rejection emails don't feel anywhere near good. I understand and empathize with all of you opening up.
All I hope is that may this be the last cycle we're struggling through. And may there be light at the end of the tunnel.
Cheers!
We're in this together!
As an international student with an MBA and LLM academically, international qualification and work experience, I am still finding it tough to get through the application or the mandatory test stage! With the Visa clock ticking and the pressure and guilt of giving up a perfectly fine life to be an English Solicitor hitting up, the rejection emails don't feel anywhere near good. I understand and empathize with all of you opening up.
All I hope is that may this be the last cycle we're struggling through. And may there be light at the end of the tunnel.
Cheers!
Does anyone here know any WhatsApp community for trainee contracts/vac scheme application support?
has anyone heard from a&o for summer vs after the test/VI stage?
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