Our Selection Process
Signups to try out for the YDA are open now. To try out, sign up here. Information on the YDA’s fall 2026 tryouts schedule can be found below.
Each fall, the YDA conducts tryouts to form a new class of Yale debaters.
The try-out process will consist of two rounds:
The First Round involves a 5 minute written component and a 4 minute speech with 5 minutes of preparation. Applicants will be given prompts and asked to generate arguments on the provided topics.
The Second Round is another speech in the same format as the first round with different times.
Our tryout process is designed to gauge how you think through, generate, and present arguments. We are not expecting specific debating jargon or stylistic practices.
Don't worry if you've never debated; we've turned more than a few complete beginners into national champions.
Most importantly, we look forward to meeting you!
Round 1 Tryouts
Friday, September 4, through Saturday, September 12
Time and location varies — sign up here!
Round 2 Tryouts (Callbacks)
September 13 (Location TBA!)
Info Session + Demo Debate
Thursday, September 3, 6:00-9:00 pm, Linsly-Chittenden Hall 102 (LC 102)
Our General Info Session and Demo Debate is a great opportunity to learn more about the YDA, see our debaters in action, hear about what being on the team is like, and ask any questions you may have.
Extracurricular Bazaar
Sunday, September 6th, 2:00-5:00 pm at Beinecke Plaza
URM Info Session
Sunday, September 6th, 7:00-9:00 pm, William L. Harkness Hall 119 (WLH 119)
The Underrepresented Minority (URM) Info Session is an opportunity to learn more about the team in a smaller setting and meet current YDA members from underrepresented backgrounds.
YDA members will also be canvassing on Cross Campus throughout the week. Stop by to meet members of the team, learn more about YDA, or ask us any questions about tryouts.
Tuesday, September 1, 2:00-6:00 pm
Wednesday, September 2, 12:00-4:00 pm
Thursday, September 3, 12:00-4:00 pm