Tryouts

Our tryouts for the 2023-24 season have concluded.

Check back in next summer (2024) for further information on our 2024-25 tryout process

See you next year!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I join UMBC Mock Trial?

Do you want to meet amazing people, make lifelong friends, travel for free to exciting cities, learn to be a confident and strong public speaker, and win tournaments and awards along the way? If any of those apply to you, then Mock Trial is the perfect place for you!

There’s no better or more successful organization on campus than Mock Trial. We won the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA) National Championship in 2021, and we were ranked as the #1 team in the country for the 2021-22 season. We’ve made Nationals four years in a row, and we’re ranked #39 in the country for the 2023-24 season.

Each season we travel to the best tournaments in the country for invitationals and regional competition. When you join Mock Trial, you’ll travel for free to Los Angeles, Chicago, Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington D.C., and so many other places. You’ll compete against the best teams in the country and win awards and trophies for your school, all while learning skills that will benefit you for the rest of your life.

But even more important than that, Mock Trial at UMBC is about making a connection. Our team is a close-knit group of friends and coaches that support each other constantly. You’ll meet your best friends in Mock Trial as you travel the country and grow as a competitor. Our members frequently meet up outside of team practices for study sessions, hikes, escape rooms, soccer games, and so much more. If you want to find something fun and challenging on campus to make your experience at UMBC as beneficial as possible, Mock Trial is the place for you. 

Q. I’ve never done Mock Trial or speech/debate before. Should I still try out?

A. Absolutely! Most of our members were brand new to this activity when they tried out. We’ll teach you everything you need to know. Previous experience is great if you have it, but it won’t determine whether someone makes the team or is successful. Our experienced team of coaches and student leaders will help you learn the basics and give you all the tools you need to graduate as a confident, powerful public speaker.

Q. I’m unsure about trying out or thinking about withdrawing from my tryout. What should I do?

A. We really think you should try out even if you’re on the fence about going through with it. Do the best you can – we’re not looking for perfection. We just want to see how you present and we can teach you everything else. And it’s totally okay if you’re nervous, that’s really common! We’ll do our best to make the experience as easy and relaxing as possible.