Texas A&M Mock Trial Application Information
We’re so excited that you’re interested in joining Texas A&M’s Mock Trial Team! We understand that the recruitment process can feel a bit overwhelming at times, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Below, you’ll find a clear outline of the entire process, including how to get started and what to expect along the way. Whether you're applying to be a new member or returner, our officer board is here to support you every step of the way. We’re happy to answer any questions you might have and ensure you feel confident throughout the process. If you’d like more information about recruitment, please feel free to reach out to us at tamumocktrial@gmail.com or contact our Public Relations Officer, Nandana Dinesh, at ndinesh2023@tamu.edu. We look forward to getting to know you!
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For additional information, about our org, the application process, and being apart of Texas A&M Mock Trial, please refer to our Recorded Informational!
Round 1: Application Submission
We want to get to know you! This application is so we can get a glimpse of your personality and prior experience. The questions we ask you are designed to get to know you, your strengths and weaknesses, team compatibility, and coach-ability. We encourage you to use this opportunity to answer authentically and to not just put down answers that you think we want to hear. You will need to include two items to have a complete application: The application form and a 1-3 page response to our essay prompts.
IMPORTANT:
There is a checkbox portion of the application that says “Auditioning to Be A: Witness/Attorney/Both”. If you circle “Witness” and make it to the audition phase, you will be expected to present 2 memorized paragraph-sized monologues for your audition. If you circle “Attorney” and make it to the audition phase, you will be expected to present an impromptu speech. If you choose “Both” then you will have the option to either present ONE memorized paragraph-sized monologues AND present an impromptu speech.
Send those items to tamumocktrial@gmail.com by our deadline of September 7th at 5 PM! After we have received all applications we will review them, and make the first round of cuts. You will be notified by the end of the day on September 9th if you have made it to the next round.
Round 2: Auditions
Congrats, you have made it to the audition round! During the audition round, the questions and prompts we ask are to understand how you might interact in court given a certain situation or what role you might take if you join our team. Ultimately, we are striving to find what the best position will be for you on one of our competition teams. We have both new applicants and returning members audition, so you will be on the same playing-field as everyone else.
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Interviews can be stressful, so here's a short summary of what your audition will be like to ensure you are not caught off-guard: To start the audition, what you will present during your audition will depend on whether you chose Witness, Attorney, or Both in the application.
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WITNESS:
You will memorize two short, paragraph-sized monologues from the document below and present them to us. Please feel free to add any character, accents, mannerisms, gestures, etc. to your performance that represent the character. You will have 3 minutes in total to present your monologues. After one of your monologues, we’ll ask you a few questions, and you’ll answer “in character”. Don’t be afraid to be dramatic! We’re less focused on word-for-word memorization and are looking to see if you can create a well-rounded, believable character from the monologues we’ve provided.
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ATTORNEY:
You will be given a choice of two topics from the list below and one minute to prepare a speech. Once the preparation period is up, you will have up to 1 minute and 30 seconds to present your speech, taking whatever stance or direction you wish with the topic. Afterward, we will question you about your speech, judging if you can defend your position. We’re focused on how well you can articulate your position and stick to it. Try to choose a firm stance; we want to see conviction in whatever side you take, regardless if you believe in that viewpoint or not.
BOTH:
You will perform BOTH a memorized short, paragraph-sized monologues from the document in the “Witness” section above AND present an impromptu speech from the “Attorney” section above. After, we will test how you perform with questions related to your content.
PROMPTS WILL BE AVAILABLE VIA EMAIL FOR APPLICANTS SELECTED FOR THE SECOND ROUND
The dress-code for our audition is business professional. Auditions will be held on September 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th. The sign-up link for auditions will be sent out with the email notifying you that you have advanced to the next round.
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Round 3: Final Team Selection
We work hard to get results back as soon as possible, and we want to make sure everyone has a fair shot. Texas A&M Mock Trial is expected to get around 100 applicants with our team only accepting about 30 members, meaning we have to cut many applicants. You should expect an acceptance or rejection letter with our decision by the end of the day on September 16th.
