Interested in joining the HCDU family?
Our application is open to any enrolled student at Harvard and designed to showcase the skills that will be most valuable as a debater. Regardless of your background, academic interests, or debate experience, we’re confident that you’ll find a community within the HCDU.
On this page, you’ll find information about our information session and completion based comp process.
WELCOME TO
HARVARD COLLEGE DEBATING UNION FALL COMP 2026
Our Comp Process
Step 1: Written Applications
Please complete our written application.
This should not take long :) We also have pre-comp events to help you!
Step 2: Try Outs
After submitting the written application, the next step in our competitive comp is a tryout period. No experience with debate is necessary to perform well at tryouts — do not excessively prepare.
Applicants will sign up for two rounds of speeches. The speeches are on an assigned motion that will be given at the start of a 15 minute prep period. The motion will differ for the first and second speeches. After prepping, compers will deliver a 4 minute speech in-person to two judges. After the speech, the judges will ask some follow-up questions. Applicants should bring writing utensils, paper, and a method of keeping time to the rounds. Tryout buddies will also be available to answer questions during the process.
We look forward to welcoming new members to our team family! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email Shashwat Rai, Vice President of Membership, at shashwatrai@college.harvard.edu.
Pre- Comp Introduction Events
Event 1: Club Fair
Come by and see it the team is for you! We will be set up by the pre-professional tables.
Event 2: Info Session
Come learn about the teams travel, debate formats, community, and expectations.
Where: Emerson 305
When: 6:30-7:30 September 6th
Event 3: Demo Debate + Application Tips
Come get advice from our VP training, learn the basics of our formats, see a fun debate and calm any nerves (our comp is not and should not be stressful)
Where: Emerson 305
When: 8:00-9:30 September 9th
About Us
The Harvard College Debating Union is Harvard's internationally competitive debate team, established in the fall of 1981. We are consistently ranked as one of the top three debate clubs in the country. In a normal year, we travel across America, Europe, and Asia to compete in American and British parliamentary debate. Over the last eight years, we've won three world championships.
And we hope to welcome you to our team! No previous debate experience is necessary — only intellectual promise and demonstrated commitment to the team. While some of our members were award-winning debaters in high school, many of our most successful debaters had no experience prior to joining the team. Furthermore, joining the HCDU and attending debate tournaments is completely free.
Visitas 2021 Info Session Recording
During Visitas 2021, we hosted an info session to share more about the team, followed by a demo debate in an abridged APDA format. Our four wonderful panelists debated the motion: THBT parents should push their kids to achieve, even if that comes at the expense of their child’s happiness. Please find a recording of the info session and the demo debate below.
Questions and Answers
What is the time commitment like?
All members must commit to helping run Harvard’s three yearly debate tournaments, barring exceptional circumstances. While a tournament is offered every weekend, members may set their own competitive calendar, which is augmented by weekly training, general meetings, and social activities.
What if I have no debate experience?
Fall comp: The HCDU accepts members based on their debate potential, not on their experience. We run a rigorous debate bootcamp in the weeks following tryouts, teaching you everything from impacting and weighing to team lore. Throughout your time on the team, you’ll also have coaching, mentorship, and open office hours to support your journey.
Spring Comp: The HCDU spring comp is open and completion based for all Harvard enrolled students!! No matter your level of experience, our comp will give you all the skills to enjoy debate.
Is there a cost to being on the team?
The HCDU has a zero cost of participation policy, ensuring all teams members can be involved to the same degree, regardless of socioeconomic status. Travel, lodging, and social events are all subsidized by the team as part of our commitment to inclusion.