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TCLA Direct Training Contract Applications Discussion Thread 2024-5

l3gal

New Member
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 10, 2019
4
4
Hey I’m looking for some advice please @Jessica Booker. I received a call from a firm I’d interviewed at to offer me a training contract last Friday.

They told me they’d send me my offer letter on the following Monday (24th). They said I’d have a deadline to accept the offer by. I haven’t received the offer letter yet, but I wondered how long is an acceptable time to wait for the offer and when should I chase it up?

I’m concerned firstly because I don’t want to miss any deadlines for acceptance but also because I have an upcoming VS, and ideally I want to have my offer letter for the TC and review its terms before deciding whether to complete the VS at a different firm.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks :)
 

MaryAra299

Star Member
Feb 2, 2025
30
29
I applied an hour ago. I know their first test is supposedly automatic?

Anyone who did receive it, how long did it take?
That's what I don't get. If they're automatic shouldn't we be getting them right after we apply? Or maybe a day later max ? Idk it's been a week for mine. Also since they're rolling, I'm wondering whether they chose to not send out invites anymore. Any insight on this from anyone will be helpful
 

James Wakefield

Legendary Member
Premium Member
Oct 7, 2024
269
706
That's what I don't get. If they're automatic shouldn't we be getting them right after we apply? Or maybe a day later max ? Idk it's been a week for mine. Also since they're rolling, I'm wondering whether they chose to not send out invites anymore. Any insight on this from anyone will be helpful
They’ll receive 50% of their applications over the next couple of days. I doubt they have stopped sending out their automatic tests- as they’ll be inundated with emails from people applying. I’m sure we’ll get it! 🤞
 

Ram Sabaratnam

Legendary Member
Staff member
Future Trainee
Gold Member
Premium Member
Sep 7, 2024
436
1,012
Is 2 months ahead of the deadline too early to send in a DTC application to a non-rolling firm?

Hiya @Legallywhatever

It’s definitely not too early. Two months ahead of the deadline is actually a great time to submit a non-rolling DTC application, as long as you’re confident it’s in strong shape. The key thing is quality. If you feel the application is already well thought out and polished, then there’s no reason to hold back. But before you send it off, I’d suggest going through it line by line with fresh eyes. Sometimes taking a bit of distance from what you’ve written can help you spot areas that could be clearer or more compelling.

If you can, I'd also recommend asking someone else to review it as well, since having another perspective can really highlight things you might not have noticed (e.g. small wording tweaks or gaps in your reasoning). You’re in a good position time-wise, so make the most of it by giving the application one final, thoughtful check before submitting.

Best of luck with the application!
 
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yueyueer

Active Member
Nov 22, 2021
14
49
That's what I don't get. If they're automatic shouldn't we be getting them right after we apply? Or maybe a day later max ? Idk it's been a week for mine. Also since they're rolling, I'm wondering whether they chose to not send out invites anymore. Any insight on this from anyone will be helpful
They’re automatic in the sense that everyone gets one — as far as I know, they’re sent out manually, and the grad rec team is tiny, which is why there tends to be a fair bit of delay.
 
Hiya @Legallywhatever

It’s definitely not too early. Two months ahead of the deadline is actually a great time to submit a non-rolling DTC application, as long as you’re confident it’s in strong shape. The key thing is quality. If you feel the application is already well thought out and polished, then there’s no reason to hold back. But before you send it off, I’d suggest going through it line by line with fresh eyes. Sometimes taking a bit of distance from what you’ve written can help you spot areas that could be clearer or more compelling.

If you can, I'd also recommend asking someone else to review it as well, since having another perspective can really highlight things you might not have noticed (e.g. small wording tweaks or gaps in your reasoning). You’re in a good position time-wise, so make the most of it by giving the application one final, thoughtful check before submitting.

Best of luck with the application!
Perfect, thank you Ram!! :)
 
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Reactions: Ram Sabaratnam

trainee4u

Legendary Member
Sep 7, 2023
232
501
'Please provide any additional information that you think is relevant.'
What type of thing do we think is actually relevant...

It really depends what you've managed to get out in the rest of the form, and what else you might have to say.

For example I would say "I am able to take SQE2 at the next sitting, with or without a preparation course, and would be able to start before 2027, if convenient."

Academic achievements that are not captured elsewhere would also be relevant. E.g., perhaps if you were awarded a scholarship.
 


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