External Competitions
Fall 2025 external competition team tryouts are here!
The application deadline is noon on April 8, 2025. Below, you will find other important dates and information. You may access the application in the “important dates” section below.
Competed in the past? Students who have previously competed on an external team may submit their prior performance for consideration in lieu of a tryout. All students still must complete the application. Note: choosing to submit prior performance comes with risk, as your prior performance is compared to those students who are trying out in-person, fresh in the judges’ minds.
Please note: there was a typo in the original mock trial problem and tryout packet. Students should prepare a closing argument on either side of the problem.
Important Dates
-
Info Session
April 2 at 5:15pm.
There will be an info session in the B1 Courtroom to discuss advocacy teams, the tryout process, and to answer questions. The session will include recent alum and graduating students in order to provide a student perspective.
-
Application Deadline
April 8 at Noon.
All students must complete and submit the application in order to tryout for a team. The application allows coaches to understand a student’s schedule and interests. A student will not receive a tryout time unless the application is submitted.
-
Tryouts
April 12-13.
Tryouts will occur on April 12 (mock trial) and April 13 (moot court). Students should review the tryout packet and follow the instructions. Tryout times will be assigned and distributed on April 8, 2025, following receipt of all applications.
FAQs
-
There is no date certain for team selections. The goal is to post selections the week of April 21, but there is no guarantee. Teams will be posted on the Board of Advocates website.
-
No, the coaches and Director of Advocacy Competitions make team and competition selections. This decision includes numerous factors, such as application responses, balancing of strengths and weaknesses, and availability. The application does permit students to note if they are interested in a particular competition or subject matter.
-
Not in the same semester. You will select your first choice in your application. The coaches will decide the best placement based upon your application and tryout.
-
Yes, please do! Each semester poses a different number of available spots. There may be more spots available one semester than another. Additionally, some people are very talented but do not receive a team placement because we did not have a competition or team suited to them one semester, but would have a more suitable placement another semester.
-
If you previously competed on an external team, you may choose to submit your prior performance in lieu of a tryout. This comes with a risk as you are judged against in-person tryouts. You must still submit an application.
-
Yes.