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TCLA Vacation Scheme Applications Discussion Thread 2024-25

Broadwater

Legendary Member
Oct 19, 2021
140
414
Hello all,

I had a general question to ask regarding the idea of self funding the SQE. I already have my GDL.

This will be my fourth round of applying to VS/TCs, next year my 5th, and im coming to a point now where 1) I’m wondering it this is all worth it. And 2) whether I should go ahead and complete my SQE.

I have always feared that self funding the SQE shows 2 negative things:
1) you are in a fortunate position to do so. One that others do not have. And I’m afraid it could demonstrate a certain privilege. A privilege that firms may take badly.
2) if you’re self funding, then clearly, no one wanted to fund you. Maybe a slightly negative outlook on things, but I could see law firms thinking this. “Hmm, no one wanted to pay for this person's SQE, so maybe this candidate isn’t great?”

I’d love to know what people think. I’m really considering now moving on and funding it myself. I don’t think re applying might do me any good at this point.

@Jaysen
@Jessica Booker
If it’s a prep course combined with an LLM then it can feasibly be funded by a postgraduate loan i.e. it can’t be deduced whether you have paid a lump sum for it (unless you’re an international student I guess).

Even if it could be deduced, it certainly wouldn’t count against you for reasons of “privilege” or whatever. Both self-funding and applications from wealthy student (they can be mutually exclusive) are commonplace; law firms would be alienating a huge pool of strong candidates if they shunned these people
 
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Reactions: Andrei Radu

sapphireoreos

Valued Member
Feb 20, 2023
107
177
Forsters PFO post-VI :( This is the second rejection I've had this cycle after a video interview and I'm worried because I have another one coming up. If anyone who has progressed after a video interview has any advice for me I would really appreciate it.
Sorry to hear that :( I finally managed to progress after a VI after getting continually post-VI PFOs last cycle (for law and non-law jobs). I’d say the biggest thing is practice, practice, practice—especially for the big three questions! @Andrei Radu’s post on competency interviews was invaluable in my prep and was a key part in my success. But I think it’s important to remember there’s a lot of luck involved too! You can have perfectly good answers but have it not go your way for whatever reason
 

simplyfaith

Distinguished Member
Feb 13, 2022
60
434
Does anyone have any pre-AC imposter syndrome advice?

I have my first AC on Tuesday & feeling very much like an imposter & I feel it’s affecting my prep.

The first video and the couple of minutes timestamped in the second video helped me, maybe they'll help you.


After enough experience and exposure, engaging with those at all levels, this positive mindset will become ingrained in you.

Something else I like to keep in mind is that the roles we are applying for are not anything to be intimidated by in themselves. Their importance is inflated by the big numbers involved with clients, and the high thresholds for entry due to competition. Maybe it's just me, but realising that black letter law is the same for everyone was comforting. Of course, the stakes vary considerably, but it's something to keep in mind. Best of luck 🙏
 

MaryAra299

Star Member
Feb 2, 2025
34
29
Had anyone who applied for CRS in November received VI? Shall I consider this a PFO as I'm not familiar with how CRS processes this but can anyone who's familiar with it confirm whether CRS sends all the invites at one go for a particular area?
 

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