Application deadline
1 April 2026
2026 on-campus College Prep application deadline.
In-person Program
So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy
Explore prosecution through witness examinations, persuasive jury addresses, and courtroom observation, with feedback from a former federal prosecutor.
Last verified: 6 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy
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So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility
Current status
Upcoming
Eligibility
Rising sophomores-seniors; GPA 3.0+
Age range / Year group
Ages 15-18
Location / Region
Evanston; Chicago
Cost
$3,625; $5,235
Duration
2 weeks
Format
In-person
Law & justiceDebatingEthics
Accommodation: University residence halls
Meals: Residential room and board
Certificate / Outcome: Northwestern certificate and official transcript
Latest verified cycle: 2026
Sessions / cadence: 9 × 3.5-hour weekday classes, 9:15-12:45 Central
Tutors / faculty: Rebekah Holman, former federal prosecutor
Campus experience: Court observation; college-preparation workshops
So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy summary
Northwestern's prosecution seminar connects the American justice system with practical trial advocacy. You explore what prosecutors do and the ethical decisions their work involves.
You practice questioning witnesses, making objections, and delivering a jury address, then observe advocacy in court. It suits students who want to test their interest in criminal law through active participation.
What is So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy?
So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy is an IN FOCUS seminar in Northwestern University's College Preparation Program. It introduces the prosecutor's responsibilities in the American justice system through legal analysis, evidence, and persuasive speaking.
Students combine readings and discussion with group trial-skills practice and courtroom observation. Rebekah Holman teaches the seminar, bringing experience as a federal prosecutor to exercises in witness examination and jury addresses.
Why Succeed highlights So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy
Witness examinations and jury addresses make the course a practical test of interest in courtroom advocacy.
Rebekah Holman's federal prosecution experience connects classroom exercises with professional practice.
Court observation lets students compare rehearsed advocacy with actual proceedings.
Discussion of prosecutorial conduct gives ethical responsibility a place alongside persuasion.
Successful completion produces a Northwestern certificate and official transcript.
Who is So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy for?
Best for
Students interested in criminal law or Mock Trial who want to practice oral advocacy and examine prosecutors' responsibilities.
Not ideal if
You want a broad survey of every legal field or prefer studying without group exercises and public speaking.
Is So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy worth it?
The seminar has a clear educational purpose if you want to discover whether courtroom advocacy interests you. Practicing trial skills, receiving feedback, and observing court proceedings give you concrete experiences to reflect on afterward.
The package cost makes it worth comparing with local Mock Trial and other law-study options. Its focus is prosecution in the American legal system, and participation does not guarantee Northwestern admission.
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A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.
Cost and what is included
$3,625; $5,235; includes Seminar tuition and program fee, Wildcat Connect: Get Ready Series workshops, Official transcript and certificate after successful completion, Room and board with the residential package.
Accommodation
University residence halls
Meals
Residential room and board
Provider details
Review the Northwestern College Prep provider page and official sources before making a final decision.
Dates and logistics
2 weeks; Evanston; Chicago.
What to check before committing
Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.
Compare this program with similar options before deciding on dates, cost, format and fit.
Compare with similar programsHow much preparation does So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy need?
Effort level
Moderate to high, with active classroom participation.
Best started
Allow four to six weeks before a future application deadline for writing, transcripts, and any English test; international families should allow additional visa time.
Main challenge
Turning evidence into a clear, persuasive oral argument.
Typical preparation
Draft a personal statement that connects a rewarding academic experience with your interest in prosecution.
Gather the required semesters of grades and prepare your extracurricular activities list.
Practice explaining an argument aloud and identifying the evidence that supports it.
Plan for full attendance and choose housing arrangements that meet the program's rules.
Useful if
You want to test your interest in criminal law.
What do students do on So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy?
You study prosecution through readings, brief lectures, discussion, and practical trial exercises. Court observation and an oral argument with feedback connect legal concepts with advocacy.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Examine prosecutors' responsibilities and ethical dilemmas.
- 2
Learn how evidence and witness testimony work in trial practice.
- 3
Create and practice direct and cross-examinations with appropriate objections.
- 4
Study persuasive rhetoric and examples of jury addresses.
- 5
Deliver an opening statement or closing argument and receive feedback.
- 6
Observe court practice and meet advocates.
So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy dates and deadlines
Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.
Reference date
Programme dates
21 June-3 July 2026
| Milestone | Date | Timezone | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Application deadline | 1 April 2026 | Local | Reference date | |
Programme dates | 21 June-3 July 2026 | Local | Reference date |
Eligibility and requirements
Complete freshman, sophomore, or junior year of high school.
Hold a cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Domestic and international students may apply.
Submit an English-proficiency score when language or schooling requirements apply.
Commuters must live with a responsible adult over 18.
How much does So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy cost?
Program fee
$3,625; $5,235 — Commuter and residential totals, respectively.
Funding or discounts
- Application fee: $60 — Nonrefundable; fee-waiver requests are available.
- Enrollment deposit: $1,000 — Nonrefundable; credited toward the total program cost.
- Tuition scholarship: For domestic rising seniors with financial need and strong achievement.
What's included
Seminar tuition and program fee, Wildcat Connect: Get Ready Series workshops, Official transcript and certificate after successful completion, Room and board with the residential package
How to apply to So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy
- 1
Use Northwestern's on-campus College Prep admissions process for the IN FOCUS option.
- 2
Prepare approximately 500 words addressing your academic experience and program interest.
- 3
List extracurricular activities with dates, descriptions, and your role.
- 4
Submit English-language transcripts and any required TOEFL, IELTS, or DET score.
- 5
Pay the application fee or submit the required fee-waiver request.
- 6
Complete all required materials for admissions review.
- 7
After acceptance, submit the deposit to secure enrollment.
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What does So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy cover?
The program covers the following focus areas.
Prosecutorial conduct
Examine prosecutors' responsibilities and ethical dilemmas through readings, lectures, and discussion.
Basic trial practice
Study testimony and evidence while practicing direct and cross-examination of witnesses.
Oral advocacy
Apply persuasive rhetoric to opening statements and closing arguments.
Advocacy in action
Observe court practice and meet advocates to connect classroom learning with professional work.
Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.
What is a typical day on So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy?
A typical day during the program.
Seminar classes
Classes run 9:15 AM-12:45 PM Central Time, combining readings, lectures, and trial-skills practice.
Class commitment
The 2026 weekday pattern totals 31.5 classroom hours, with no class on 3 July.
Who teaches on So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy?
Rebekah Holman is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Law at Northwestern who teaches Communication and Legal Reasoning. Before joining Northwestern, she served as an Assistant United States Attorney, tried eighteen cases to verdict, and argued appellate cases.
Where do students stay on So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy?
Residential plan
- University residence hall: Students stay in Northwestern residence halls with common areas and quiet study rooms.
- Dining and dietary support: The package includes room and board, with vegan dining options and dietician support.
- Residential staff: Resident Directors and trained Residential Advisors support students and organize social activities.
- Campus resources: Students can access libraries, computer labs, and beaches; gymnasium access requires age 16+.
Non-residential plan
- Commuter housing: Students may commute from home or relatives' housing with a responsible adult over 18.
- Activities and excursions: Commuters can join the Get Ready Series, excursions, and shared academic and social activities.
- Meal access: Commuters may purchase meals in the Norris University Center.
Residential students may explore independently but must follow residence-hall checkout and return check-in rules.
What happens after So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy?
After completing this program, participants often pursue:
Earn a Northwestern certificate after successful completion.
Receive an official Northwestern transcript.
Build oral-advocacy and legal-analysis skills.
Use court observation to reflect on a possible legal career.
Participation does not guarantee admission to Northwestern University.
Where does So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy take place?
Northwestern's College Prep campus setting is Evanston, on a 240-acre lakefront campus north of Chicago. The prosecution seminar includes court observation, and a previous participant described visits to Northwestern's downtown Chicago law-school campus and the Federal courthouse.
So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy FAQs
You will practice witness examinations, appropriate objections, and persuasive oral advocacy. Exercises include delivering an opening statement or closing argument and receiving feedback.
Rebekah Holman, a Northwestern Clinical Assistant Professor of Law, teaches the seminar. She previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney and tried eighteen cases to verdict.
Yes. Activities include observing court practice, meeting advocates, and visiting Federal or State Court to see prosecution in practice.
Successful completion earns an official Northwestern University transcript and certificate. Students earn a Satisfactory grade by attending and participating in all classes and completing all assignments.
Yes. Both residential and commuter options are offered. Students living off campus must stay with a responsible adult over 18 for the program's duration.
Resident Directors and trained Residential Advisors support students and organize social activities. Students may explore independently but must follow residence-hall checkout and return check-in rules.
No. College Prep participation can be part of a broader application profile, but it does not guarantee admission to Northwestern University.
Northwestern directs IN FOCUS students to obtain a visitor visa and confirm the appropriate visa type with their local US Embassy or Consulate. Visiting students must maintain adequate health insurance.
Alternatives to So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy
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Compare with other programsContent reviewed by
Ben Stacy
Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader
Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.
Sources and verification
Source types reviewed
- International Students, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
- Campus Life, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
- Admission, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
- Tuition and Fees, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
- Northwestern Pre-College Online Program
- FAQs, Northwestern College Preparation Program: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
- College Prep — Application Fee Waiver Form
- IN FOCUS Seminar Series | Northwestern SPS: School of Professional Studies | Northwestern University
Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.
What we verified (on 6 Oct 2026)
Official seminar page reviewed
Application deadline checked
School-stage eligibility reviewed
Residential and commuter totals checked
Certificate requirements reviewed
International travel guidance reviewed
How Succeed uses this information
We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.
So You Want to Be a Prosecutor? The Art of Persuasion and Legal Strategy
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