Yeah the emails are quite confusing, they did refer to it as 'the next stage' but why no congrats etc. if it's truly selective? Idk my guess is that they send it to everyone who meets the basic minimum criteria. Also the assessment seems a bit weird, only 9mins for the verbal reasoning test? it must be super short otherwise wth lol
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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26
- Thread starter Ram Sabaratnam
- Start date
Hi everyone,
I have a vacation scheme with a US firm and am eager to convert it to a training contract—I don't want to go through another application cycle, as I'm sure you can all understand!
I was wondering if anyone has tips for dealing with imposter syndrome? I'm not from a Russell Group or Oxbridge university and will likely be the only one there without that background. How can I stay confident, let myself shine, and not feel intimidated by the other vacation schemers?
Thanks!
I have a vacation scheme with a US firm and am eager to convert it to a training contract—I don't want to go through another application cycle, as I'm sure you can all understand!
I was wondering if anyone has tips for dealing with imposter syndrome? I'm not from a Russell Group or Oxbridge university and will likely be the only one there without that background. How can I stay confident, let myself shine, and not feel intimidated by the other vacation schemers?
Thanks!
Trowers PFO post AC - this one really hurt as I genuinely thought I had it in the bag 😭 😭 😭
Remember you’re in the same room as them and at the end of the day… you’re all capable of getting that TC! If they try to make you feel weird about your academic background, that’s a them issue!
Because despite the Russell Group/Oxbridge names they throw out… YOU are in that room with them!
And the people in that room were selected out of 1000+ people, meaning YOU were selected out of all of those people. Including Oxbridge/Russell Group people!
You’ve done great making it to the VS stage, and it’s clear that the firm likes you and your background.
So go and smash it, show them they made the right choice!! MAKE THE REST OF US NON RUSSELL GROUPS PROUD
Why am I literally tearing up 🥹 That just gave me so much motivation!! Thank you so so much!!!Remember you’re in the same room as them and at the end of the day… you’re all capable of getting that TC! If they try to make you feel weird about your academic background, that’s a them issue!
Because despite the Russell Group/Oxbridge names they throw out… YOU are in that room with them!
And the people in that room were selected out of 1000+ people, meaning YOU were selected out of all of those people. Including Oxbridge/Russell Group people!
You’ve done great making it to the VS stage, and it’s clear that the firm likes you and your background.
So go and smash it, show them they made the right choice!! MAKE THE REST OF US NON RUSSELL GROUPS PROUD
Me too. It was my dream firm!!! Firms love sending out emails on Friday😭
With how hard it is to land a VS (especially at a US firm!!), there’s no way anyone undeserving can make it through the process. Remember that! You’re there because they absolutely loved you and they think you can add value to the firm. You are on par with the rest of the attendees so please don’t feel like an imposter. You are just as clever, just as talented and just as deserving🩷
Thank you so so much!With how hard it is to land a VS (especially at a US firm!!), there’s no way anyone undeserving can make it through the process. Remember that! You’re there because they absolutely loved you and they think you can add value to the firm. You are on par with the rest of the attendees so please don’t feel like an imposter. You are just as clever, just as talented and just as deserving🩷
It's so easy to overthink and forget that everyone on the scheme is probably feeling that way too!
Hi!
Congratulations on the vacation scheme, that is amazing news!!
I can totally understand how you feel - I also went to a non-Russell Group university, and was often one of the only non-RG students on the scheme too! Imposter syndrome is incredibly common on vacation schemes, and everyone around you will likely be feeling the same way (even if they are Oxbridge!).
The most important thing to remember is that the firm chose you. Securing a vacation scheme is highly competitive, particularly at US firms, and they would not offer you a place on the scheme if they didn't think you had genuine potential to convert. You are on the scheme as you have earned your place on merit, not by luck!
It can also help to reframe the comparison that you are making. A university name is only really one line on a CV - what firms assess during a vacation scheme is how you think, communicate, approach work, and whether you are someone they would trust at 2 am on a deal. Those qualities are not necessarily determined by where you studied! I actually found that the fact my university was 'less academic' helped me in some ways, as it meant I had completed a placement year and been involved in other extra-curriculars that taught me valuable skills.
Additionally, try to focus on what you can control! Make sure to prepare properly for tasks, ask thoughtful questions, be proactive (whilst avoiding being overbearing), and actively seek feedback so that you can improve across the scheme. Overall, what matters most is showing enthusiasm, reliability, and a positive attitude. Your academics have clearly been enough to get you on the scheme, so the firm thinks you are more than capable of doing the role! You now have to show that you are a good fit for the firm and have the right attitude and approach to a training contract (i.e. that its a learning opportunity!).
It is also helpful to view the other vacation schemers as future colleagues, rather than competition. The graduate recruitment team will notice those who contribute positively to the group dynamic, and I always think it's important to remember that everyone is probably feeling the same anxiety as you (despite the fact they may be a RG or Oxbridge grad, or have lots of legal experience). You don't need to try to outshine everyone in order to convert - its more important to be consistent and willing to learn!
Imposter syndrome tends to surface when you are outside of your comfort zone or trying something new. This discomfort doesn't mean that you are not good enough at all - instead of thinking "I shouldn't be here" or "I'm only here due to luck", remind yourself that you were selected for a reason and you have all that it takes to succeed.
Wishing you the best of luck for the vacation scheme - I'm sure you'll do great, and I hope you enjoy it too!
Thank you so so much Abbie!!!Hi!
Congratulations on the vacation scheme, that is amazing news!!
I can totally understand how you feel - I also went to a non-Russell Group university, and was often one of the only non-RG students on the scheme too! Imposter syndrome is incredibly common on vacation schemes, and everyone around you will likely be feeling the same way (even if they are Oxbridge!).
The most important thing to remember is that the firm chose you. Securing a vacation scheme is highly competitive, particularly at US firms, and they would not offer you a place on the scheme if they didn't think you had genuine potential to convert. You are on the scheme as you have earned your place on merit, not by luck!
It can also help to reframe the comparison that you are making. A university name is only really one line on a CV - what firms assess during a vacation scheme is how you think, communicate, approach work, and whether you are someone they would trust at 2 am on a deal. Those qualities are not necessarily determined by where you studied! I actually found that the fact my university was 'less academic' helped me in some ways, as it meant I had completed a placement year and been involved in other extra-curriculars that taught me valuable skills.
Additionally, try to focus on what you can control! Make sure to prepare properly for tasks, ask thoughtful questions, be proactive (whilst avoiding being overbearing), and actively seek feedback so that you can improve across the scheme. Overall, what matters most is showing enthusiasm, reliability, and a positive attitude. Your academics have clearly been enough to get you on the scheme, so the firm thinks you are more than capable of doing the role! You now have to show that you are a good fit for the firm and have the right attitude and approach to a training contract (i.e. that its a learning opportunity!).
It is also helpful to view the other vacation schemers as future colleagues, rather than competition. The graduate recruitment team will notice those who contribute positively to the group dynamic, and I always think it's important to remember that everyone is probably feeling the same anxiety as you (despite the fact they may be a RG or Oxbridge grad, or have lots of legal experience). You don't need to try to outshine everyone in order to convert - its more important to be consistent and willing to learn!
Imposter syndrome tends to surface when you are outside of your comfort zone or trying something new. This discomfort doesn't mean that you are not good enough at all - instead of thinking "I shouldn't be here" or "I'm only here due to luck", remind yourself that you were selected for a reason and you have all that it takes to succeed.
Wishing you the best of luck for the vacation scheme - I'm sure you'll do great, and I hope you enjoy it too!
All I can say is congrats and that you’re an inspiration. I’m also from a non RG university and have recently felt quite hopeless, however seeing that others have made it to a VS is incredibly reassuring!!!
Best of luck, you are just as worthy as people who went to RG/Oxbridge! You got to this stage, which means you belong there just as much as anyone else.
I got invited to interview 1 week after doing it, they’re doing interviews now so I wouldn’t assume PFO yet
Remember you’re in the same room as them and at the end of the day… you’re all capable of getting that TC! If they try to make you feel weird about your academic background, that’s a them issue!
Because despite the Russell Group/Oxbridge names they throw out… YOU are in that room with them!
And the people in that room were selected out of 1000+ people, meaning YOU were selected out of all of those people. Including Oxbridge/Russell Group people!
You’ve done great making it to the VS stage, and it’s clear that the firm likes you and your background.
So go and smash it, show them they made the right choice!! MAKE THE REST OF US NON RUSSELL GROUPS PROUD
This advice man :’) who knew there’s angels in lawWith how hard it is to land a VS (especially at a US firm!!), there’s no way anyone undeserving can make it through the process. Remember that! You’re there because they absolutely loved you and they think you can add value to the firm. You are on par with the rest of the attendees so please don’t feel like an imposter. You are just as clever, just as talented and just as deserving🩷
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