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I did LD in High School, and want to debate in college, but recognize LD ain’t much of an option

Without doubt, any form of debate experience (whether L.D, parli, congress ect.), is going to help you out in the transition to policy debate. So if you thought those four years of mad speaking skills were about to be in vain, feel free to exhale. However, policy debate is… well, policy debate, and all the rumors you’ve heard about it are probably true (from the sticker-laden tubs to the research and, of course, the speed). One of the benefits of being on a self-run team, like the one at the UofC, is that there really is a concerted team effort to work with each individual on their strengths and weaknesses. That means if you want to be successful, it certainly is possible. But it’s going to require dedication on your part. That includes making use of the team (that’s composite of some absolutely fabulous debaters), competing at as many tournaments as you can, and realizing that it’s necessarily going to take some time to catch up with those members of the team who have more experience. Does that mean you’re going to have to spend a year in novice? Not at all—unless that’s what you want. I debated novice at exactly one tournament, and found that my time in open has been a lot more educational. I’m also sure I’ve learned more from individuals on the team than I ever could have from a big-debate school type institution. Anyway, policy is still going to have a lot of the old, familiar flavors you’ve craved over the past four years, but it’s also going to involve some challenges you probably weren’t prepared for. Comparing the two, I have to admit (and I know this might be hard to hear) that CX debate is by far the most stimulating, and gratifying, experience you could have on the college circuit. If you have any other questions, feel free to e-mail me at: ranm@uchicago.edu.