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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

I just completed the critical thinking test for Milbank and the evaluation of arguments section had 5 options instead of the conventional 2 options. There were no instructions either it just went on to the next section and gave options Very Strong argument, strong arguments, fairly strong argument, fairly weak argument, weak argument and very weak argument. does anyone have an instruction sheet or guidelines for these? what constitutes a strong argument compared to very strong or fairly strong, and what constitutes a fairly weak argument and the difference between family weak and strong?
Theoretically you could say Relevence and importance (relevance dictates weak or strong, importance is fairly or very). But most mark schemes are basically marking it correct for three options per question if that makes sense?
 
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@Afraz Akhtar @Andrei Radu

I had a question regarding employment screenings for a TC offer I recently got. In my application the firm required exact dates of employment. I’ve noticed for two of my listed jobs I was off by a week in terms of my listed dates. I was wondering if this would be an issue which would be cause for having my offer rescinded?

One of them was a part time internship I said I started on 20/10/2025 when in reality I started on 27/10/2025.

The other was a job I finished two weeks later than the dates I started on my application.

These were honest mistakes and honestly just sloppy errors on my part.

@TCLA Community Assistant
 
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@Afraz Akhtar @Andrei Radu

I had a question regarding employment screenings for a TC offer I recently got. In my application the firm required exact dates of employment. I’ve noticed for two of my listed jobs I was off by a week in terms of my listed dates. I was wondering if this would be an issue which would be cause for having my offer rescinded?

One of them was a part time internship I said I started on 20/10/2025 when in reality I started on 27/10/2025.

The other was a job I finished two weeks later than the dates I started on my application.

These were honest mistakes and honestly just sloppy errors on my part.
Better polish off your application technique for next year! 🤣

But on a serious note, definitely not. They’ll just want to confirm you worked there. Lying about working somewhere could get your offer rescinded. Being off by a few weeks in terms of dates won’t. Employment screening is often done by an external organisation who won’t see what you’ve put down on your application form anyway.
 
Better polish off your application technique for next year! 🤣

But on a serious note, definitely not. They’ll just want to confirm you worked there. Lying about working somewhere could get your offer rescinded. Being off by a few weeks in terms of dates won’t. Employment screening is often done by an external organisation who won’t see what you’ve put down on your application form anyway.
Aw thank you sm! But also girl dont joke with me I will have a heart attack, I cannot do another cycle of this 😭
 
I'm starting to feel the application fatigue. Right now I am at the stage where I start an application, and almost lose heart when there are 6 or 7 supplementary questions. But I guess when you hit 25 applications it's to be expected... I might take a short break and practice CT/SJT/AC skills, and then focus on firms with later January deadlines for VS/TCs.

I imagine I'll get more news these two weeks (either positive or negative) that can help with future applications (As "feedback" from which applications are less or more successful).
 
Hi everyone! I am struggling to figure out how to structure the following question:
'If you were asked to write an article for one of our sectors or practice areas, what topic would you choose and why?' (200 words)

Is this asking us to explain why a topic within a particular area captures our interest while showing commercial awareness? Do we have to explain 'why' in terms of the topic being something the firm's clients are interested in, or something we are interested in writing?
 
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Reactions: Afraz Akhtar
Hi everyone! I am struggling to figure out how to structure the following question:
'If you were asked to write an article for one of our sectors or practice areas, what topic would you choose and why?' (200 words)

Is this asking us to explain why a topic within a particular area captures our interest while showing commercial awareness? Do we have to explain 'why' in terms of the topic being something the firm's clients are interested in, or something we are interested in writing?
Personally, I identified an area I was passionate about and then made a connection to one of the firm's key practice areas. When writing an article (I've published many, online and in print), it has to come from a place of personal interest.
 
well it was 24 questions in 36 mins - but that is very deceptive once you actually look at the types of questions you’re being asked. multi-step maths calculations and deductive reasoning with lots of dates and sequence like structures. the questions get harder as you progress.
 

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