TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2023-24

[Jessica Booker]

No way Burges Salmon make you do WG at the AC LMAO. we just did one for the first stage as well.

It’s done to verify that you haven’t got someone else to take the test for you (assuming the first time was done remotely). This is pretty common although some firms just tend to sample a group to effectively retake it rather than anyone who comes through to a certain stage.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Hi! Bit of a panic- my VI seems to be frozen on the example question and no matter how much time has passed there is no button to proceed to the next stage of the interview. I have reloaded the page and even restarted my laptop but it is still stuck on the example question. The email address for the VI software help blocked my message which is just great. I've emailed grad rec but I know they get a lot of emails so I'm not sure if they will see it in time... has anyone else had this problem before?? I'm really keen on this firm and I feel so disheartened that I'm having so many technical issues, I really hope it hasn't saved my attempt like this

Technical issues happen.

Try to contact the video software company in the morning - there’s likely to be a contact number as well as an email address.

Alternatively try to complete the video interview on another device, such as a mobile phone.

 

[S87]

Hi,

Hi! Bit of a panic- my VI seems to be frozen on the example question and no matter how much time has passed there is no button to proceed to the next stage of the interview. I have reloaded the page and even restarted my laptop but it is still stuck on the example question. The email address for the VI software help blocked my message which is just great. I've emailed grad rec but I know they get a lot of emails so I'm not sure if they will see it in time... has anyone else had this problem before?? I'm really keen on this firm and I feel so disheartened that I'm having so many technical issues, I really hope it hasn't saved my attempt like this

take a screenshot and send it to the grad rec

 

[lawapplicant]

It’s done to verify that you haven’t got someone else to take the test for you (assuming the first time was done remotely). This is pretty common although some firms just tend to sample a group to effectively retake it rather than anyone who comes through to a certain stage.

Will it be just to reach their pass mark? Or will it vary on what my original score was and to compare that to my second score.

Say I get 99% and then get 80% at the AC - that is still a high mark - though a much less score. Could they care about that even tho 80% is still a high score?

 

[NJS]

Yes! I applied on 8 November last year, and got a place on their 2023 Summer Internship!

goat behviour

 

[Minitomatosalad]

Will it be just to reach their pass mark? Or will it vary on what my original score was and to compare that to my second score.

Say I get 99% and then get 80% at the AC - that is still a high mark - though a much less score. Could they care about that even tho 80% is still a high score?

I know from some friends in IB that it’s very common to retake online tests at AC’s. There you can be about +-5 points of what you originally scored and if not you don’t pass the AC. Not sure if it’s the same for law.

 

[Jessica Booker]

Will it be just to reach their pass mark? Or will it vary on what my original score was and to compare that to my second score.

Say I get 99% and then get 80% at the AC - that is still a high mark - though a much less score. Could they care about that even tho 80% is still a high score?

They will cross-reference the results to see if there is any major discrepancy in performance, not just in terms of score but also in terms of the type of questions answered. Recruiters will get a flag to say whether there is a chance the original test was completed by someone else if there are large discrepancies.

 

[lawapplicant]

I've just been doing Simmons VI in a Lacoste polo shirt. I forgot I was supposed to wear a shirt. How bad is this?

 

[Jessica Booker]

I've just been doing Simmons VI in a Lacoste polo shirt. I forgot I was supposed to wear a shirt. How bad is this?

This will not be an issue.

 

[islasorna]

With all the applications and building yourself up for tests, VIs, and interviews, how do you all deal with the mental toll of the application cycle? And doing each stage, how do you all best deal with jitters/nerves/anxiety to ensure it doesn't interfere with your performance?

 

[lawapplicant]

I echo what another user said the other day about Simmons app. What is the point of working on completing a VI if we have already failed the previous test? If they want to do a VI, this should be a separate stage.

 

[LegallyBrown]

With all the applications and building yourself up for tests, VIs, and interviews, how do you all deal with the mental toll of the application cycle? And doing each stage, how do you all best deal with jitters/nerves/anxiety to ensure it doesn't interfere with your performance?

Honestly, I have found there is no simple solution to combat the mental toll of the application cycle. However I would say, allow yourself to detach once in a while.

Do not be afraid to take a little bit of a break here and there, but not too long to the point you lose your mojo. For example, and this is probably not the best advice, but I missed out on sending my Covington & Burling/Allen & Overy WVS applications even-though they were on my list. However, looking back I do not regret it. I needed those breaks to recharge and relax, and I have found its helped me a lot with my other applications, and tests/VI's. I would say balance this out, I could afford to lost out on these two because they have spring/summer/direct. Try to see if there are any applications you can pass over to another month, just to give you that extra time to rest.

Equally, try not to think about an application once it has been sent. In the past, I would sit here waiting on any update, and each time I would see somebody get invited I would assume an automatic rejection. It's crippling and can lead to demotivation for the rest of the cycle, thus impacting further applications. The best thing you can do for yourself is ignore the application once it has been sent or once any automated tests have been complete. Honestly, doing this I found my disappointment in a rejection post-app to be very short-lived, and it does not impact me as much as it did in the past.

Lastly, as for the anxiety or nerves, what works for me is to prepare as well as I can, and breathe. TCLA has a wealth of insight over individual applications, whether thats through another member's experience, or past applications and successful answers. There is so much there to allow you to feel a little less alone, and a lot more supported.

You've got this! x

P.S. The DLA VI (if that's what is bugging you atm) is not so bad. It is just a strengths-based interview which requires little to no knowledge of DLA. I actually messed up the last question and only answered the first half (which in my opinion should have been more than enough for a rejection) but I passed the benchmark and have proceeded to review.

For VI's, I would recommend doing a practice test with shortlist.me. They are not the same platform, but they are the only platform out there (which I have seen) that give you an insight as to how textbook VI questions should be approached.

 

[Tintin06]

I've just been doing Simmons VI in a Lacoste polo shirt. I forgot I was supposed to wear a shirt. How bad is this?

Aspiring lawyers these days know Lacoste of everything and the value of nothing.

 

[kmo20]

How long do HL take to reply about WG results?

 

[TS2001]

Has anyone heard back from Travers Smith post App?

 

[sxw517]

Anyone know when we will hear back from K&S regarding their open day? I need to book PTO and the 16th is creeping up.

 

[Tintin06]

Anyone know when we will hear back from K&S regarding their open day? I need to book PTO and the 16th is creeping up.

Maybe ring them and explain this.

 

[liseazurite]

How long do HL take to reply about WG results?

If this is for Lift Off then they’ll let you know in December

 

[nya]

If this is for Lift Off then they’ll let you know in December

dyk if it's early or mid December, by any chance?

 

[p2bv]

AC for HSF but can’t take the time off work is there any chance I would be allowed to switch to spring or summer