TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2025-26

[mrebeccafr]

If anyone has any insights/tips for in-person AC it would be massively appreciate I have only done one before - it was online and I failed due to failing to complete the in-tray exercise

 

[Applicant7874652]

Could someone dm with tips and tricks on an e-tray exercise? Or more broadly, if they have any tips for an RPC AC?

PM me, I did London this cycle for the VS

 

[axelrod901]

Has anyone heard back from BJ post TI for Manchester office? Saw a few heard back for Exeter office today!

 

[soph107048]

Hey guys, if anyone is an international student, did/is doing their undergrad course at a UK uni with the course involving a year abroad, and has done/will be doing a vac scheme while still on year abroad (whether during or at the end of the year abroad) id appreciate if u can dm me

 

[Abbie Whitlock]

hi @Abbie Whitlock im applying for the cooley diversity fellowship and two of the questions are as follows:

• Please tell us about any experiences where you have contributed to or promoted diversity, equity and inclusion. This can include formal roles, community/volunteering activities, or informal actions in your personal, academic or work life.
• We are all 'work in progress' and need to celebrate our strengths but also focus on our areas for growth. Please tell us about you (strengths and areas for growth)?

please could you give me some tips on how to answer these/what the questions are getting at? thanks!

Hey!

For the DEI question, I don't think they are expecting anything overly formal or 'impressive' - it is much more about showing genuine engagement and awareness. Therefore, I'd say the key thing is to focus on what you actually did and the impact it had, rather than just describing the situation. You could approach it by:

• Briefly setting out the context (e.g. where you were / what the situation was)
• Explaining what actions you personally took (this is the most important part!)
• Reflecting on why it mattered and what you learned from it

This could be something quite structured (such as mentoring, involvement in a society, outreach, etc), but equally something more informal - such as supporting a peer, challenging a lack of inclusion, or helping create a more accessible environment. I wouldn't underestimate smaller, everyday actions if you can reflect on them well, as they can be really strong examples!

With this question, they are essentially looking to see whether you are someone aware of DEI issues, that you can take initiative, and overall contribute positively to the environments that you are in. Therefore, I'd try to show this in your answer.

For the strengths and areas of growth question, they are testing self-awareness and coachability - at the end of the day, one of the most valued traits for a trainee is the ability to learn and grow. For strengths, I would:

• Pick 1-2 that are genuinely relevant to being a trainee (e.g. attention to detail, communication, adaptability, etc.)
• Back them up with a brief example so that it doesn't feel generic or surface level

For areas of growth, I would:

• Choose something real and personal, but not fundamental to the role
• Show that you have already taken steps to improve it
• Ideally demonstrate progress or reflection on the area of growth, rather than just "this is a weakness"

In your answer, I would try to cover: what the area is, how you have recognised it as an area of growth, what you have done to work on it, and how that has made you more effective.

Overall, both questions are less about having 'perfect' experiences or examples and more about showing that you are proactive and have a willingness to learn. Best of luck with your application!

 

[trainee4u]

Has anyone heard back from BJ post TI for Manchester office? Saw a few heard back for Exeter office today!