‘I’ve failed vac scheme applications three years in a row. When is it time to give up?’

Co-asking cause I am in a similar situation for four application cycle. I studied law but now I am wondering if law is for me.

This is my second cycle. The first year was learning about it. Half of the second cycle I started to do trial and error. In other words, I did not use the same strategy and approach for all my applications.

I also didn’t rush to submit applications as soon as possible in order to test which strategies worked better. Once I saw what worked and what didn’t I started progressing. My first AC came through and that was another learning experience (I didn’t get an offer) then the second and third came in and I can successfully say I have 2 offers now. I didn’t burn all my options at the beginning of the cycle, in case I don’t convert then I can still apply to direct TC after my VS which would give me an advantage.

My overall advice is:
If something is not working, change it! The definition of madness is taking the same approach and expecting different outcomes.

Try applying for paralegal roles or legal assistant roles, subsequently prove yourself in these positions, build a good reputation and apply for the firms internal training contract,. This is how I personally secured my TC after a few rejections.

Unfortunately its all a numbers game, keep on applying to as many firms as possible rather than being “selective” because all you need is one yes and the main objective is to qualify. You may also need to reflect on why you are failing at the first hurdle and how you can get over this issue.