Does Mock Trial look good on college applications?
Hello! I’m an incoming freshman and I was wondering if mock trial looks good for college applications. I’ve been doing mock trials for 4 years now and I’m debating on continuing it and joining my high school team. The thing is that I want a career in the med field and I was wondering if mock trial would look good on my college application for that even though it’s not really relevant to my career choice. I enjoy doing mock trials and it’s a hobby for me at this point but I’m not sure if it’s worth it.
2 answers
Jennifer’s Answer
Participating in mock trials can certainly enhance a college application, regardless of the intended career path. Admissions committees often value extracurricular activities that demonstrate critical thinking, public speaking, teamwork, and analytical skills, all of which are cultivated through mock trials participation. While it may not be directly related to a medical career, it showcases a well-rounded skill set and a capacity for intellectual rigor, which are beneficial in any field. Moreover, the commitment and dedication demonstrated by engaging in an activity for four years can also be a strong asset in the college application process. Therefore, continuing to pursue mock trial can be a valuable addition to your college application, reflecting your diverse interests and well-developed skills.
Best of luck,
Jennifer
Michelle’s Answer
I am very impressed with your long-time involvement with mock trials and it's nice to know you enjoy them greatly because it most definitely is providing you with skills that you can take to college as well as a career in Medicine !
Most definitely cite that you've done them on applications as well as on a resume. The only suggestion that I have about that, I know they are called "mock", but to appear more advanced on paper, I would term what you've done as Simulated Courtroom Trials. It just sounds more professional than "mock". Now, why do I partly say this ? I will explain.
Part of why I advise this is because once you get to medical school, you will be trained the 21st Century way and that includes lots of simulation. Simulation devices and equipment are very impressive and downright cool and gives the student as close to a real experience as possible. So when a medical school is evaluating your experience and sees that you've been involved in any sort of simulation, they will see that you hold the interest to learn that way. I left some information about the use of simulation in medical learning for you below.
The other reason your simulated court trials should be on your applications and resume is because it will indicate that you have consistent presentational skills and you will need that skill both in undergraduate as well as in medical school. Another reason is that law could very well be occasionally part of a medical career in that many medical professionals are called to court as expert medical witnesses and you very well may see that in your career at some time. Medical expert opinion witnesses get paid an enormous amount of money to do that, by the way.
So yes, yes, do not hesitate one moment with including your Simulated Courtroom Trials on your applications and resume. Many skills that do not seem "medical" are indeed applicable for you as both a student and for medical school, so no doubt about it, include it and any other volunteer work or extracurriculars, even if it's not - or doesn't seem to be - medically related.
I hope that this is helpful and I wish you all the best !
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