Private Interview (25% of total
score)
Each contestant participates in an individual 10-minute press
conference-style interview with our panel of judges (12 minutes at the
state and national competitions). There are typically 5 to 7 judges on a
panel. Contestants are questioned on their background as presented on
their fact sheet, their educational and career goals, their opinions on
current events and social issues, and their interests, hobbies and
extracurricular activities.
Scoring is based on:
Talent (35% of total score)
Contestants perform a 2-minute routine of their own choosing. Some
possible talents include all types of singing, dancing, gymnastics,
instrumental music, dramatic or comedy monologues, baton twirling and
ventriloquism. Other talents that can be performed solo on a stage are
also possible. Phone or e-mail us if you have a question about your
talent presentation.
Scoring is based on:
- Talent selection and performance, as it distinguishes both the
contestant's skills and personality
- Interpretive ability
- Technical skill level (execution, technique, synchronization,
control)
- Stage presence and on-stage personality
- Totality of all elements (including costume, props, voice, use
of body, choreography)
Lifestyle & Fitness In Swimsuit
(15% of total score)
Each contestant briefly appears on stage in a one- or two-piece
swimsuit and footwear of her own choosing. Swimsuits must be approved
prior to competition by the Executive Director of the pageant.
Scoring is based on:
- Qualities and attributes of a Miss America
- Overall first impression
- Statement of strong physical fitness and health
- Sense of attractiveness and presence
- Display of energy, charisma and expression
- Sense of confidence and composure
On-Stage Question (5% of total
score)
Questions will be of a general nature and will be neither
platform-related nor something taken directly from the private
interview. The objective is to evaluate the contestant's ability to
think on her feet and answer a question of general interest to people
her age, including, but not limited to, local, state and national
current events.
Scoring is based on:
- Overall first impression
- Extemporaneous response to on-stage question
- Did the contestant answer the question in the context in which
it was asked?
- Can she handle the pressure of speaking on stage in front of an
audience?
- Will young people see her as a role model who is reflective of
today's generation?
Evening Wear (20% of total score)
Each contestant appears on stage in an outfit of her own choosing,
representative of what she would wear to a formal "after five" social
event. Pant suits, cocktail dresses and evening gowns are all
appropriate for this phase of the competition.
Scoring is based on:
- Qualities and attributes of a Miss America
- Overall first impression
- Sense of confidence, personality and stage presence
- Walk, posture, carriage and grace
- Appropriateness of attire and sense of style
- Sense of attractiveness, beauty and charm
Top Five - Final Ballot
From the above 100%, the Top Five Finalists will be determined. The
Top Five Finalists enter the final round of competition with zero
points. The judges will then rank the contestants in the order they
individually believe the contestants should finish on a Final Ballot.
Each judge will rank the Top Five contestants on a Final Ballot. A
first place vote is worth ten points, a second place vote is worth five
points, a third place vote is worth three points, a fourth place vote is
worth two points and a fifth place vote is worth one point . The total
of the Final Ballots alone will determine the outcome of the pageant.
The high and low scores on the Final Ballot will NOT be dropped. All
judges votes count on the Final Ballot.
To find out which local pageant(s) you may be eligible for, check our
LOCAL COMPETITIONS
