TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2026-27

Does insight day PFO affect vacation scheme application ?
It won't affect the application for the vac scheme.

But often getting an open day is a good sign that your grades and writing skill is matched with what they are looking for in the vac scheme application.

However, certainly don't take a PFO as a sign of an incoming rejection for their vacation scheme. Insight days are often small events that are highly sought after and the PFO is often due to the maximum numbers being reached.
 
It won't affect the application for the vac scheme.

But often getting an open day is a good sign that your grades and writing skill is matched with what they are looking for in the vac scheme application.

However, certainly don't take a PFO as a sign of an incoming rejection for their vacation scheme. Insight days are often small events that are highly sought after and the PFO is often due to the maximum numbers being reached.
I agree! I have gotten several open days before which is why this was a good indicator for whether I’m aligned with what the firm is looking for. I don’t think I am, so best to put my efforts elsewhere!
 
I'm mostly wanting to apply to firms along the lines of Bird & Bird, Mishcon etc this cycle, however, there's one or two US firms, such as Cooley and White & Case, that I'd love to apply to. The problem is that I'm not sure if I'd be wasting my time given my academics.

I'm going into my final year as a non-law at a Bristol/Durham/etc. and I'm currently at a 64%, give or take, with some 2:2s from first and second year. I've got some good work experience, including a vac scheme at a regional office of an Eversheds/CMS/etc. and a year abroad spent as an in-house paralegal, as well as internships at some offshore firms.

I really like those US firms, but I'd like to hear if people think it's even worth applying given my uni grades?
one of my good firends at a uni similar got 64 and got w&c tc - think they r generally seen more lenient compared to other us firms and u have got great exp. dont know much ab cooley though
 

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