TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[TA04]

Has HFW got back to anyone yet?

 

[Amjaya]

Heya - firstly, please don't worry. The Watson Glaser is a beast of a test - I detest it (no pun intended!). However, even a lion can be tamed. So, trust me - you can beat this test. You have to remember that your abilities are not fixed - improvement is 100% possible.

The main things which have helped me make a jump from the low 10s to the high 30s:

1. Practice tests. If it's possible, I recommend JobTestPrep. The reason being is that you can spam loads of practice tests on the specific section that you want to work on. If that's not possible, don't worry - try any other practice test. The most important thing isn't really answering the questions correctly - it's more understanding where you went wrong. I find it 10x more helpful to deeply understand my mistakes (and even why I got something right) by reading the explanations.

2. Once you understand the logic of the test, I recommend writing out your own one-page document of the rules for each section in your own words. Use examples to illustrate but try to keep it brief. Making a document that's created by your brain is a powerful learning activity, but it's also the best kind of crib sheet to refer to during the WG.

Also watching YouTube videos can be super helpful - there one which I have especially found helpful. It was recommended to me by the fantastic @andrecsaa and the title of the video was "Full-Length Real Watson Glaser Test SOLVED (40 Questions)" on the Job-Test-Prep Youtube channel.

3. TCLA's Watson Glaser course by Joe Mallet is also fantastic. Again, a nice breakdown of the rules.

If you ever get stuck with a question, feel free to share it on the forum - I and others are always happy to try and get some extra practice in

Above all - you've got this 🫶 ❤️

Thank you so much for this. Honestly it’s been so challenging - but I will take this on board. I was thinking about whether or not to use Jobtestprep but this is my sign to use the platform. Thanks again! I really appreciate it - I will be using your tips as well as others!! ❤️🌟

 

[LawyerUpPal]

Has anyone given the AG test? Any insights about what the test entails will be super helpful

Is it timed? Thanks

It is not timed. The first part is rank order situational/behavioural questions, the second part is where they give you a statement like: "Knowing that I am trusted by those I work with is..." and then you have to slide the bar towards one end: "important in everything I do" or the opposite end: "not important to me". The final part is very Watson Glasseresque- assumptions, conclusion made/ not made etc. Edit: you will get a feedback report in 24 hrs but it will not include the WG part.

 

[sibs23]

Thank you so much for this. Honestly it’s been so challenging - but I will take this on board. I was thinking about whether or not to use Jobtestprep but this is my sign to use the platform. Thanks again! I really appreciate it - I will be using your tips as well as others!! ❤️🌟

I would also recommend Simranjeet Kaur Mann’s WG guide on her website. One of her top tips is to approach each section of the test with a “clean slate” and think only about the key principles required for the section of the test. Following that tip has been a huge turning point for me!

 

[Amjaya]

Does anyone know if the hogan Lovells Watson test is the same for the lift off and vacation scheme application. I have done the test before and have found many similarities (or similar questions being asked which I was asked last year when sitting the test).

 

[Amjaya]

I would also recommend Simranjeet Kaur Mann’s WG guide on her website. One of her top tips is to approach each section of the test with a “clean slate” and think only about the key principles required for the section of the test. Following that tip has been a huge turning point for me!

I think I have seen her videos before. I will re watch. This is a good way of viewing the test! I will let you know how I get on. Thanks!!

 

[James Wakefield]

Hey all, how do you approach video interviews with no time limit for the preparation of each question?

Is 15-mins thinking about each question before answering probably a good balance?

I notice the firm say no time limit, but not that the preparation period is untimed.

Thank you!

 

[User5678]

It is not timed. The first part is rank order situational/behavioural questions, the second part is where they give you a statement like: "Knowing that I am trusted by those I work with is..." and then you have to slide the bar towards one end: "important in everything I do" or the opposite end: "not important to me". The final part is very Watson Glasseresque- assumptions, conclusion made/ not made etc. Edit: you will get a feedback report in 24 hrs but it will not include the WG part.

Thanks very much, this is very helpful

 

[lawyersum]

Since the topic of AG has come up, what did people put in the additional information section of the application form?

 

[LawyerUpPal]

Since the topic of AG has come up, what did people put in the additional information section of the application form?

As far as I recall, there was no general 'additional information' section. There was a Mitig Cir section and a section titled something very specific like: "Please use this space for additional information about your undergraduate degree". Unless you're referring to one of the questions under "Additional 1 & 2"? In the case of the former, I think that one definitely has to relate to your undergraduate studies, like if you did a year abroad and have different grades, etc. Re the latter, that would depend on your personal circumstances and thus be very tailored to your circumstances.

 

[lawyersum]

As far as I recall, there was no general 'additional information' section. There was a Mitig Cir section and a section titled something very specific like: "Please use this space for additional information about your undergraduate degree". Unless you're referring to one of the questions under "Additional 1 & 2"? In the case of the former, I think that one definitely has to relate to your undergraduate studies, like if you did a year abroad and have different grades, etc. Re the latter, that would depend on your personal circumstances and thus be very tailored to your circumstances.

Ah thanks for this, I think I got my boxes mixed up a bit but your post has cleared it up for me

 

[LawyerUpPal]

How is everyone preparing for the Skadden written task?

I did it last year successfully catching 18/20 things they were looking for. The TCLA courses on PE and M&A were a big help, but it is very basic stuff. They give you a bunch of docs related to a company, and you have to draft an email, pursuant to a request from a partner, to the client answering due diligence questions, and you have to use the docs (contract and loan agreement) to respond. You are given all the info you need. It is time-crunched (1 hour), so pay attention to the time! Best of luck to you all!

 

[sooae]

I did it last year successfully catching 18/20 things they were looking for. The TCLA courses on PE and M&A were a big help, but it is very basic stuff. They give you a bunch of docs related to a company, and you have to draft an email, pursuant to a request from a partner, to the client answering due diligence questions, and you have to use the docs (contract and loan agreement) to respond. You are given all the info you need. It is time-crunched (1 hour), so pay attention to the time! Best of luck to you all!

This is very helpful! Thank you!

 

[User5678]

As far as I recall, there was no general 'additional information' section. There was a Mitig Cir section and a section titled something very specific like: "Please use this space for additional information about your undergraduate degree". Unless you're referring to one of the questions under "Additional 1 & 2"? In the case of the former, I think that one definitely has to relate to your undergraduate studies, like if you did a year abroad and have different grades, etc. Re the latter, that would depend on your personal circumstances and thus be very tailored to your circumstances.

Hi, I was re looking at my application following your response because I thought that I missed the part where they ask for additional info about the undergrad studies as I wanted to enter info about my scholarship and placement year. I think there was only one box related to mitigating circumstances and nothing else.

Please correct me if I am wrong and if you have a moment please could you login into your app and confirm this?

I would be very grateful, thank you very much

 

[Reem2024]

How long do firms like TW, CMS and Linklaters take after the WG to get back to you?

 

[LawyerUpPal]

Hi, I was re looking at my application following your response because I thought that I missed the part where they ask for additional info about the undergrad studies as I wanted to enter info about my scholarship and placement year. I think there was only one box related to mitigating circumstances and nothing else.

Please correct me if I am wrong and if you have a moment please could you login into your app and confirm this?

I would be very grateful, thank you very much

It's under "University / Higher Education - Undergraduate Degree(s)" at the bottom of the page. It's the page immediately before ur Uni grades.

 

[Interested_In_Law]

it's only law students, unfortunately

Although that does include GDL students (confirmed in email).

 

[DulyDiligent]

Does anyone have advice about the Willkie VI?

 

[aspiringtrainee2024]

Any HSF AC invites for the spring/summer scheme?

 

[just1TCwilldo]

Well done! Did you receive the separate email with the link for the VI? I received the email confirming that I have progressed an hour ago but am still expecting the email with the link for VI

Same! Did you hear back on the link today?