Winter vac schemes vs Summer vac schemes?

[B1806]

I'm a penultimate year Law student and I'm working on applying to a number of vac schemes, but some firms have multiple schemes available (winter, summer or in some cases even spring) and I can only apply to one.

What are the benefits of each? From what I can tell, summer ones last longer (which is a big plus).

More importantly, which schemes are less competitive in terms of applications?

 

[Numerius Negidius]

I would say just choose what is most convenient for you. With a summer vac scheme, you might have a better chance of being able to attend the scheme in office. Normally, winter vac schemes might be slightly less competitive due to their earlier deadlines. However, given that everyone is in isolation and does not need to attend classes in person, I am not sure if that would still be the case.

 

[Jen E C]

Sometimes the Winter ones will be open to finalists and graduates only, so be sure to check eligibility.

I think the common belief is winter ones are less competitive due to exam seasons etc but I'm sure I've also read that that's a myth and both are as competitive as each other. However, there may be a slight advantage for winter ones in that there are more TCs available if they make offers on a rolling basis.

I agree with the above, just choose whichever is most convenient for you in terms of dates and when you can produce a good enough app.

 

[Jessica Booker]

I'm a penultimate year Law student and I'm working on applying to a number of vac schemes, but some firms have multiple schemes available (winter, summer or in some cases even spring) and I can only apply to one.

What are the benefits of each? From what I can tell, summer ones last longer (which is a big plus).

More importantly, which schemes are less competitive in terms of applications?

There won’t be a set trend of one type of scheme being more/less competitive than the next. Depends on who is eligible, how many places there are, and even factors like the date of the schemes can greatly impact how many people apply.


Don’t fixate on how many other people are applying. Fixate on making your application as strong as it can be

 

[B1806]

Thank you to everyone who responded!