TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

[laurenn42]

Hi Lauren, my top tip for the WG is to read really carefully the instructions for each section and note them down in a number of short bullet points, which you can then go back to when having difficulty during the assessment. The biggest mistake I've seen people make with the WG is to treat it as a general critical thinking (IQ style) test and therefore rely too much on pure intuition when choosing the answer. I have found that an intuitive answer could be right in some sections and not in other. I have tended to score quite highly on the WG and my focus has been on the precise boundaries of the criteria given for each section - what can be assumed vs what can be inferred vs what can be deducted all have slightly different meanings, just as 'true', 'probable', 'beyond reasonable doubt', 'logically certain' all have slightly different meanings. The difference between the candidates who score highly and those who score at our under average will likely depend on an ability to notice those fine distinctions.

As for top tips for the inferences section, I have copy pasted bellow the information sheet I used. Besides tips to keep in mind, it has some summary of the 'test' I mentally go through when deciding on an answer:

Tips:

• If you don’t know the meaning of a word, try and figure out from its context.
• Notice the difference between qualifiers (e.g. some, most) and extreme qualifiers (always/none).

Test:

• True: The inference is explicit in the passage; if the inference is inferable from the passage (solely from the passage and without broader reference to general knowledge).
• Probably True: If the statement does not directly suggest the inference is true, but suggests it is likely (>50%) to be the case; or if the inference is based on common knowledge + information in the passage.
• More information required: Information you are asked is simply not given in the passage, with no grounds for correctly inferring the likelihood of the truth or falsity of the statement; also, generally if the inference is opinionated.
• Probably false: if the statement does not directly suggest the inference is false, but suggests it is likely (>50%) to be the false; or if the inference is false based on common knowledge + information in the passage.
• False: The inference directly contradicts something mentioned in the statement, or if the inference misinterprets the statement

This information sheet has been partly based on an excellent course made by the TCLA team on WG preparation. If you haven't already, I highly encourage you to watch it here.

tysm!! this is so helpful for the different categories

 

[Andrei Radu]

Anyone knows if I need to include my grades for all modules on the Slaughter and May CV? I believe there is a separate section for this on the application process, so I was thinking to just include the overall grades for GCSE, A Level and university?

If you include all the relevant module grades in the application form, I do not think you need to necessarily also include them in the CV - especially GCSE and A level grades. I was successful in my Slaughters VS application and my CV only included university module grades + overall grades at A Levels.

 

[Gg2001]

Well, Ashurst's psychometric test was humbling

Just finished it right now. Shouldn’t have spent like 3 weeks on the application. I will just try to apply to more firms now, definitely not making it to the next round. Verbal and logical reasoning I get but why do we need to have maths tests???? whatever man

 

[ayiiii05]

Just finished it right now. Shouldn’t have spent like 3 weeks on the application. I will just try to apply to more firms now, definitely not making it to the next round. Verbal and logical reasoning I get but why do we need to have maths tests???? whatever man

I found the maths tests stupid... I gave up on the test where you had to pick whether the equations were equal or if one was bigger. I just guessed, I didn't even bother looking at the numbers because which human could add up numbers on both sides in 5 seconds???!!!!

 

[bibss]

If you include all the relevant module grades in the application form, I do not think you need to necessarily also include them in the CV - especially GCSE and A level grades. I was successful in my Slaughters VS application and my CV only included university module grades + overall grades at A Levels.

Thanks for this!

 

[fingersarecrossed]

hi!

does anyone have any interview tips?
i am planning to do a starr breakdown of my experiences for different competencies etc then i'm planning to practice saying it - is this sufficient or is there a better way to do this ?

 

[User5678]

I found the maths tests stupid... I gave up on the test where you had to pick whether the equations were equal or if one was bigger. I just guessed, I didn't even bother looking at the numbers because which human could add up numbers on both sides in 5 seconds???!!!!

The issue in the test was TIMING!! couldn’t agree more!! If we had some more time it would be so much easier to crack it

 

[Tsitsipas10S]

Is anyone else unable to see their entire application once it's been submitted for Hogan Lovells' winter vac scheme?

 

[BonanzaBih_]

Assuming NRF test is automatic, how long after applying did you get the test?

 

[SamiyaJ]

Assuming NRF test is automatic, how long after applying did you get the test?

Yes it’s automatic, I got it like 10 minutes after applying. Be sure to check your junk mail!

 

[Tsitsipas10S]

Does anyone think there is much point in delaying vacation scheme applications until the outcome of open day outcomes, even where the vacation scheme applications are assessed on a rolling basis? Would it make more sense to just apply to the vacation scheme first?

 

[AS24]

It is worth applying for a vacation scheme if the deadline is in 8 days and the firm reviews on a rolling basis? Should I wait for the firm to open the applications for the summer vacation scheme?

 

[Apple]

I found the maths tests stupid... I gave up on the test where you had to pick whether the equations were equal or if one was bigger. I just guessed, I didn't even bother looking at the numbers because which human could add up numbers on both sides in 5 seconds???!!!!

once I started seeing numbers in brackets I began just clicking frantically lol.

 

[0livia.pope]

Yes it’s automatic, I got it like 10 minutes after applying. Be sure to check your junk mail!

Is this the Rare contextual form or the Arctic Shores? I haven’t received the arctic shores link and I applied four days ago!

 

[Apple]

Is this the Rare contextual form or the Arctic Shores? I haven’t received the arctic shores link and I applied four days ago!

It doesn't get sent on weekends.

 

[0livia.pope]

It doesn't get sent on weekends.

I see, I guess I’ll wait it out. Applied on Wed and nothing received Thursday or Friday. Thanks!

 

[EquityTraineeGPT]

Sidley Austin interview!

Hi When did you happen to have applied ?

 

[NMA]

It is worth applying for a vacation scheme if the deadline is in 8 days and the firm reviews on a rolling basis? Should I wait for the firm to open the applications for the summer vacation scheme?

Personally I think even if you apply the night before you have a good chance as long as your application is really good. Some of my mates got vac schemes with firms where they applied literally an hour before the deadline, and the window was like 3 months. Of course applying like at least a month/few weeks in advance is ideal, but if you can still apply, definitely do it

 

[Victor87]

Hey guys, is there anyone who got past the application stage for Latham in the past and would like to share the results they got for their situational judgement test? i.e., the skills they excelled at. I think I got struck out in the past cycles based on this.

 

[User5678]

Hi all, just a quick question in relation to CVs, I am unable to fit my work experience and skills in a one page CV. Is a 2 page CV alright or a one page CV is recommended. Thanks