How do I mitigate a 2:2 when applying for a training contract?
updated on 11 July 2023
Dear Oracle
I got a 2:2 at university because I spent too much time on extracurricular activities and work experience, rather than on my studies. Should I explain this in my training contract applications? And is there any chance that my extracurriculars could support my application instead?
The Oracle replies
Extracurricular activities are important, but they shouldn’t come at the expense of your studies and the need to meet many firms’ minimum academic requirements, which are usually a 2:1.
But all is not lost. Some firms state on their websites that they’ll accept applications from candidates with a 2:2. These firms look at the bigger picture, not just someone’s degree result. Other employers state that they prefer candidates to have a 2:1, but they still accept applications from 2:2 candidates in order to assess every application on its merits.
When you begin working on an application form, there may be an opportunity for you to “describe a time you made a mistake and what you learned from it,” or “describe a time you’d have done something differently”. This could be a good time to mention your 2:2 and how the number of extracurricular activities you took on likely impacted your studies – and that you’ve since learned a valuable lesson about time management and prioritising tasks.
Otherwise, our advice is to focus on the positives. Your applications should be filled with relevant answers that draw on the range of experiences you gained in the course of your extracurricular endeavours and the transferable skills you’ll have built up. Recruiters want to see that you’re aware of the skills required to be a successful solicitor so make sure you can talk about these, and provide evidence of yourself practising and developing them – extracurricular activities are a fantastic way for you to showcase these. You then might be asked about your 2:2 at the interview stage. This is your chance to reinforce that you’ve learned a valuable lesson about time management, multi-tasking and knowing when you’re at capacity and can’t take on any more.
Having a 2:2 isn’t the end of the road; with carefully targeted applications to the right firms, which show your range of experiences and skills, it’s possible to secure a training contract.
For more advice, check out ‘How to apply for a training contract: a masterclass’ for top tips from LawCareers.Net
