I think it depends on people’s backgrounds too to some extent. It’s easier to apply to less firms when on paper you’re a pretty strong candidate (all As and A*s at GCSE, AAA or above A-levels, a gained or predicted high 2:1 or first from a top RG like Oxbridge/London RG/Durham/Warwick, a bunch of legal and finance internships, etc). You don’t need to worry as much about those parts of your apps so can spend more time on each of the apps and the app questions instead. Coming from this background means having the privilege of being selective with the firms you apply to.
For others, (esp if they’re socially mobile or from low income backgrounds), they’re not gna have the same credentials. They might have a mix of As, Bs and Cs at GCSE and A-level and probs have less professional experience. So they have to apply to more firms cos it’s less likely they will be progressed in the first place (simply due to the sheer competition of VS/TCs). A lot of these trainees will fit into the first category which we’ll often not know when speaking to them. I’d say it therefore depends but both strategies have their merits imo! Do what works for you individually.
This is just my opinion. I’ve applied to around 20 firms and plan on doing 6-7 more. It’s not too many apps but not too little either.
This is across Winter, Spring and Summer VS and Direct TC apps so idk if that makes a difference.
I’ve had mixed results surprisingly.
Reed Smith sent me a PFO but
Skadden,
Willkie and Akin all progressed me, who are imo more competitive?
Edit: this post is looong asf so apologies to anyone that reads this enormously long mini essay! 😂
