Mitigating Circumstances & Vac scheme application (need some advice)
Hi everyone,
I’m an aspiring solicitor currently studying a STEM degree at a Russell Group uni, and I’m feeling a bit lost about my prospects. I have some significant mitigating circumstances that have impacted my grades, and I want a realistic reality check on my chances of landing a Vacation Scheme or Training Contract in my final year.
During my first year, I struggled with severe mental health issues. I managed to get a low 2:1 overall, but my transcript is a wild mix of highs like a 79 and 77, and some low lows, including a 40, 50, and 55.
In my second year, my health failed me again, and I developed ME/CFS. It has been incredibly debilitating, to the point where I had to take a year out as a formal interruption of studies. It has been a year and a half since I developed symptoms of this condition, and trying to recover has really been a journey. I'm still far from 100% and definitely not the student I used to be, but I've adapted my approach to studying and am currently sitting my remaining second year exams. I'm eager to finish my degree. I’m confidently on track for a 63-66% overall this year. Again, it’s a mixed bag of likely Firsts in three modules and 2:1s in two others, alongside a 49, 50, and 55 from when I sat exams in much worse health. All of my health issues have been formally documented by my university and health specialists.
I'm in the process of finalising the list of firms I would like to apply to in my final year. As I look at my transcript, it feels a little hopeless. I know firms claim they look at mitigating circumstances contextually, but do they actually take them seriously when they see so many low module marks? On the positive side, I have loads of really great extracurriculars, and I actually interned at a consulting firm last year, and somehow did well enough to get a return offer. I'm heading back there this summer. I have also done open days and insight events at several US law firms. I'm hoping that backs up my academic potential, but I’m still second-guessing whether I should even bother applying to law firms.
I’d love to get some honest advice or insight from anyone who has navigated the application process with a messy transcript or major health disruptions. If anyone is open to chatting directly in DMs, I would really appreciate it.