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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Matt_96" data-source="post: 83886" data-attributes="member: 1260">Right, so there's a lot to unpack here.Firstly, regarding securing a VS, aim for quality applications first and foremost. However, I might differ from a lot of members here in saying that you should always be aiming to apply to as many firms as you can whilst keeping the quality as high as you can. You don't need to do more than 30+ apps (which is what I did), but I think aiming for about 20ish is a good idea. Once you've got a feel for what a good app looks like (and the app bank in TCLA premium here can be really helpful) keep using it. Most firms ask the same questions, so as long as you tailor the parts of your answer that matter to each one, you will be able to pump out a fair few!The reason why I say you should do this is timing. Some law firms had increases in their app numbers of up to 70% this cycle thanks to Covid. The quality of candidates is going to be super high for the next few cycles, and law firms can afford to be very picky, so applying for a larger number of firms will give you a better chance.Secondly, apply for a range of firms. I think you've got the right idea applying to regional offices and firms of different sizes, because it's exactly what I did. Don't just restrict yourself e.g. to the MC and SC firms. They get thousands of applications a year from candidates with exceptional grades and work experience. Always make room for midsize and smaller firms that do the work you are interested in. They get less apps, increasing your chances and once you get in, you can always move later if you qualify into a practice these more aspirational firms are strong in.For grades, a high 2:1 (65 and above) will be fine for pretty much every firm. Don't pay any attention to Oxbridge statistics. You are already at a Russell Group uni and will have access to law fairs and networking opportunities that are broadly equivalent. Unless you are looking to become a Barrister, the Oxbridge bonus just doesn't matter.On your work experience, it seems fine to me. What matters is not really what you do, but how you sell it, which feeds back into making quality apps. I didn't really get this until I saw what successful ones looked like and applied that style to my own experiences. But as some general pointers, make sure to quantify any results you attained from doing a task (e.g. came 2nd place in X music tournament or ran a budget of £30k for 500 members in Y student society) and tie the skills you learnt back to the qualities the firm is looking for (resilience, teamwork, empathy, communication skills and focus being key buzzwords).Finally, get someone else to check your applications. You have no idea how you come across if you only ask yourself for advice!Other than this, I second everything else said above.</blockquote>

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