ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Contestants in all Miss America preliminaries at the local and state level compete in five areas:

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 contestant's skill and personality, interpretive ability, technical skill level, stage presence and the totality of all elements, including costume, props, voice, use of body and choreography.

Personal Interview (25% of total score)

Each contestant participates in an individual 10-minute press conference-style interview with our panel of judges. 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 overall communication skills, including personality, intelligence, validated opinions, emotional control, overall first impression and personal appearance, and whether the contestant possesses the overall qualities and attributes of a Miss America.

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. Pantsuits, cocktail dresses and evening gowns are all appropriate for this phase of the competition. Scoring is based on overall first impression, sense of confidence, personality and stage presence, walk and posture, appropriateness of attire and sense of attractiveness.

Physical Fitness in Swimsuit (15% of total score)

Each contestant briefly appears on stage in a one-piece swimsuit and footwear of her own choosing. The Executive Director of the pageant must approve swimsuits prior to competition. Scoring is based on overall first impression, statement of physical fitness and health, overall physique which is pleasing to her height, weight and bone structure, walk, posture and grace, sense of confidence and presence on stage.

On-Stage Question (5% of total score)

The On-Stage Interview phase of competition is designed for the contestant to make an on-stage statement of her interests, opinions and aspirations. Overall “first impression”; charisma and stage presence to be a spokeswoman for the state/local organization will be evaluated. Judges will give special attention to whether or not the contestant answered the question and if she had the commanding presence to make the audience want to listen to her.

Top Five - Final Ballot

From the above 100%, the Top Five Finalists will be named. 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.

PLATFORM DESCRIPTION

In 1989, the personal platform concept was introduced as part of the competition, with each state titleholder choosing an issue of importance to her and to society. Through in-depth interviewing during the local, state and national competitions, each contestant is evaluated on her commitment to her chosen issue. Examples of platform issues have included child advocacy, volunteerism, domestic violence, literacy, diabetes, awareness, eating disorders and our nation's homeless.

For more information, please contact stephanie_schutt@yahoo.com or call (408) 761-2808.