2020-21 Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion

[NSinger]

It isn’t as binary as that.

Non RG applicants are much less likely to apply

Non RG applicants tend to have less opportunity for careers guidance or insights into firms.

I agree with this. As an non-RG student I have seen first hand the stark difference in opportunities to gain insight into commercial law on campus. Often the big firms have target universities where they host lots of events at and also have campus ambassadors etc.

 

[alicebloom]

Is a degree from Oxbridge more difficult to obtain? I am not convinced it is more difficult.

It may be more intellectually difficult. But considering you have far stronger support mechanisms at Oxbridge, including tutorials that are often one-on-one or in very small groups, it could be argued it is easier to obtain a strong grade in an Oxbridge degree because of the mechanisms in place to get you there. Constant, regular and detailed feedback from your first week undoubtedly allow you to learn more, quicker.

So maybe the student doing the same course at Reading or Oxford Brookes has to work harder to achieve the same grade where they have to be more self sufficient? And that could be why it is more difficult.

Just my opinion on the matter anyway.

Definitely respect and understand your opinion! However as a Cambridge student myself I would certainly say that it is extremely difficult! Yes, there may be more one-on-one "support", but when you're expected to write 15+ 2000 word essays in 8 weeks it becomes very easy to fall behind. You're definitely not spoon fed! (Again, I have no experience at other unis though so it is all subjective I guess)

 

[Jessica Booker]

I wasn't arguing that. I was arguing that standards are higher. The fact that UCL awards a high number of firsts has nothing to do with higher achievers in non-RGs being able to get 80+ in certain modules by virtue of their universities assessment standard.

I wasn’t saying you were.

 

[FM302989]

Nothing but facts here my dude!

 

[Jxmxs00]

The only thing I'd add to the university debate from my entirely inexperienced position is that Cleary ask for a 2.1 from a leading university. Having said that, they're also the only one firm to ask for AAA to the best of my knowledge, and we heard *a lot* about their culture earlier.

Is their specification for leading universities just them being honest, or is it a unique requirement / request?

 

[Celestie]

Ngl idk what uni youre from, as long as we vibe and can laugh together, it a yes from me.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Definitely respect and understand your opinion! However as a Cambridge student myself I would certainly say that it is extremely difficult! Yes, there may be more one-on-one "support", but when you're expected to write 15+ 2000 word essays in 8 weeks it becomes very easy to fall behind. You're definitely not spoon fed! (Again, I have no experience at other unis though so it is all subjective I guess)

I am not saying it isn’t difficult - just how it is difficult could be very different.

You aren’t spoon fed, but you are guided, corrected and advised much more closely. The resources you have available are much more extensive. Even the small things of being fed well in college will make things marginally easier (know that isn’t always the case for every college).

 

[whisperingrock]

I wasn’t saying you were.

Then your response was a meaningless contradiction to something I didn't even say. So why even bother?

 

[FM302989]

The only thing I'd add to the university debate from my entirely inexperienced position is that Cleary ask for a 2.1 from a leading university. Having said that, they're also the only one firm to ask for AAA to the best of my knowledge, and we heard *a lot* about their culture earlier.

Is their specification for leading universities just them being honest, or is it a unique requirement / request?

Then lmao I ain't applying there if they state that as their requirement. CHECKMATE! Debate solved!

Where the law firm rejection/depression memes at?

 

[Samantha]

Then your response was a meaningless contradiction to something I didn't even say. So why even bother?

Pls stop

 

[FM302989]

Then your response was a meaningless contradiction to something I didn't even say. So why even bother?

... not again pls

 

[NSinger]

Then your response was a meaningless contradiction to something I didn't even say. So why even bother?

Unnecessarily rude.

 

[LS12]

I’m ngl I’ve always favoured firms who are more flexible, not even because of my own personal grades but because I like the idea of working in a firm with a real diversity of people and I feel like really strict requirements can sometimes result in cookie cutter trainees

 

[whisperingrock]

Unnecessarily rude.

As is shutting down a comment I made with a statement that had nothing to do with it.

 

[Jessica Booker]

The only thing I'd add to the university debate from my entirely inexperienced position is that Cleary ask for a 2.1 from a leading university. Having said that, they're also the only one firm to ask for AAA to the best of my knowledge, and we heard *a lot* about their culture earlier.

Is their specification for leading universities just them being honest, or is it a unique requirement / request?

Just their prerogative to ask for it. Don’t agree with it but they can set whatever requirements they want. No different to CC’s year group prioritisation policy really.

 

[Celestie]

Then lmao I ain't applying there if they state that as their requirement. CHECKMATE! Debate solved!

Where the law firm rejection/depression memes at?

When a firm rejects you on the basis of generic tests (I'm looking at you linklaters):

 

[Jxmxs00]

Then lmao I ain't applying there if they state that as their requirement. CHECKMATE! Debate solved!

Where the law firm rejection/depression memes at?

Its not a requirement, less a "we normally expect." It does beg the question how they measure what a leading university is.

 

[Samantha]

I’m ngl I’ve always favoured firms who are more flexible, not even because of my own personal grades but because I like the idea of working in a firm with a real diversity of people and I feel like really strict requirements can sometimes result in cookie cutter trainees

I agree. But as someone from a state school background that has worked really hard to get into a top 5 uni it does feel like the goal post keeps moving.

Still I would not want the firm to be filled with the type of people I attend uni with lol!

 

[Jessica Booker]

Then your response was a meaningless contradiction to something I didn't even say. So why even bother?

If that’s what you feel, then fine. I am not just talking to you, there are plenty of other people engaging in this topic that I may want to clarify my position on.

 

[FM302989]

When a firm rejects you on the basis of generic tests (I'm looking at you linklaters):
View attachment 2725

Finally! Some wholesome content!