Phases of Competition

Miss America is both a business and a culturally specific brand that transcends being just a beauty pageant.  Miss America herself is a critical member of the Miss America Organization marketing team and works to advance the business of scholarship and community service for women.  The Miss America judging system distinguishes Miss America via a form of Olympic scoring where each contestant competes against ONLY herself.
  

Private Interview - 25%

Each contestant participates in a 10-minute personal interview with our panel of judges.  Contestants are questioned on their background as presented on their resume, their education and career goals, their opinions on current events and social issues, their platform issue, 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.  Each interview concludes with the opportunity to make a final statement to the judges.
  

On-Stage Question - 5%

Each contestant will be asked one on-stage question about her platform issue with the score factoring on how well she answers the extemporaneous question.
  

Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit - 15%

Each contestants briefly appears on stage in a one or two piece swimsuit and footwear of her own choosing.  Scoring is based on overall first impression, statement of physical fitness and health, overall physique and proportion, walk, posture and grace, sense of confidence, and presence on stage.
  

Talent - 35%

Contestants perform a 90-second routine of their own choosing.  Some possible talents include all types of singing, dancing, gymnastics, instrumental music, dramatic or comedic monologues, baton twirling, and ventriloquism.  Other talents that can be performed solo on a stage are also possible.  Scoring is based on the 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.
  

Evening Wear - 20%

Each contestant appears on stage in the evening wear of her own choosing, representative of what she would wear to a formal, black tie event.  Evening gowns are most appropriate for this phases of competition.  Scoring is based on overall first impression, sense of confidence, personality and stage presence, walk and posture, and appropriateness of attire.
  

Final Ballot

Each judge ranks the top five contestants in the order he/she believes they should each finish.  The outcome of the pageant is based solely on the point totals resulting from the final ballot.