Hey folks. As an aspiring BCL/LLM candidate, I'm searching for some advice on how to better my cv and changes of gaining entry to such a competitive course. I've just completed my first year at a top Russell group university, attaining a first(70), placing me in the top 3 percent of the year group. This year I also secured a short internship with a top law firm and took part in an array of sports, competing in one at national level. However, I understand entry selection for the BCL specifically is highly focused on academics, so I am searching for activities that will strengthen my chances and am unsure whether traditional options like pro-bono work or mooting will really bolster my cv when I propose to do a BCL focused on public/constitutional law. Are there any activities related to the public law area specifically that I could do that would highlight my interest in this area outside mere module marks.

[quote]Hey folks. As an aspiring BCL/LLM candidate, I'm searching for some advice on how to better my cv and changes of gaining entry to such a competitive course. I've just completed my first year at a top Russell group university, attaining a first(70), placing me in the top 3 percent of the year group. This year I also secured a short internship with a top law firm and took part in an array of sports, competing in one at national level. However, I understand entry selection for the BCL specifically is highly focused on academics, so I am searching for activities that will strengthen my chances and am unsure whether traditional options like pro-bono work or mooting will really bolster my cv when I propose to do a BCL focused on public/constitutional law. Are there any activities related to the public law area specifically that I could do that would highlight my interest in this area outside mere module marks.[/quote]

Hi mate,

As I have been accepted onto the BCL (staring in a few weeks), I can say that the academic achievements should be your top-banana when applying - which Oxford is actually looking for. To be honest, it's not that relevant if you've attended a 'top' Russel Uni. I went to a non-Russel one and still got in :)

Speaking of the extra-curricular stuff, it seems you have decent work experience + chances of being considered. Getting experience in the public law sphere would bolster your motivation, but you can get it anyways after the course is finished. Good luck!