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Personal Interview
30% Total Score
Talent/HERstory™
20% Total Score
Contestants complete a private 10-minute interview with the judging panel. Questions may cover their résumé, education, interests, experiences, and current events. Professional, polished attire is expected, similar to a job interview.
Judges evaluate each contestant’s readiness to serve as a titleholder, their character, communication skills, community service commitment, and ability to respond authentically and conversationally. They also consider qualities like intelligence, confidence, humor, and charisma, along with whether the contestant reflects strong role-model qualities for their generation.
Contestants will present a 90-second talent performance or deliver a 90-second HERStory™
stage presentation before the judges and audience. Attire should complement the chosen performance or presentation.
Judges assess preparation, performance or storytelling skills, stage presence, entertainment value, and the contestant’s ability to connect with both their story and the audience.
Health & Fitness
20% Total Score
Evening Gown
20% Total Score
On-Stage Question
10% Total Score
Contestants demonstrate their dedication to health and fitness, highlighting the discipline and confidence needed to represent Miss America or Miss America’s Teen.
Judges look for strong first impressions, overall vitality, energy, and how well a contestant radiates health and confidence.
All contestants must wear Rebel Athletic Attire for the Health + Fitness phase, as required by Miss America. The approved styles are set by the Miss Virginia Organization and may be worn at both local and state competitions.
Contestants showcase their personal style in an evening gown, reflecting the elegance expected of a titleholder at formal events such as galas, fundraisers, and red-carpet appearances. The gown should highlight individual taste while remaining appropriate for the occasion.
Judges evaluate stage presence, confidence, composure, and the ability to command attention—focusing on how the contestant presents herself, not on the gown’s designer or cost.
Immediately after the Evening Gown phase, contestants answer a live onstage question about their Community Service Initiative (CSI). Responses should be concise and no longer than 30 seconds.
Judges evaluate each contestant’s commitment to service, their ability to articulate the local impact of their initiative, and their potential to inspire interest in their cause. This phase brings the interview onstage, showcasing intelligence, personality, charisma, and composure while engaging both the judges and the audience.