Judging Criteria
Interview, 40%
The Interview Competition is your time to shine in front of the judges. It will be brief, but will give you the opportunity to introduce yourself and discuss your personal goals and objectives. It is also an excellent time to let the judges know why you should be crowned a Miss American Teen Queen! Judges will be evaluating your ability to articulate your thoughts, self-confidence, grooming, personality and overall presentation.
Fun Fitness, 30%
Delegates will model an athletic-wear outfit to receive a fun fitness score. The outfit will consist of coordinated aerobic and athletic attire. Judges will be looking for the individual who is confident, energetic and healthy, with a strong sense of self-esteem. Delegates may use coordinating accessories (e.g., racquet, water bottle, phone, back pack) to complement their presentation. Delegates are encouraged to demonstrate their creativity and have fun with this competitive round.
Evening Gown, 30%
Presentation in Evening Gown is the finale' competition and gives each delegate the opportunity to capture the audience and judges through her natural beauty, personality, poise and grace in a floor length gown. A variety of gown types are permitted. Delegates should ensure their choice is age appropriate and makes them look and feel their best.
Community Service
Giving back to the community in which we live is an important part of being in the Miss American Teen family. Delegates will be given a score on their community service or missionary project in a free optional competition. The project must be completed within the 12 months preceding the international pageant and documented in essay form.
Free Optionals
Included in the cost of registration, each delegate will have the opportunity to apply for the following Special Honors:
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Top Scholar Award (must submit grade report)
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National Community Service/Missionary Award (must submit written essay)
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Ad Sales Award (for selling optional program book ads)
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Paid Optionals
All Delegates will have the opportunity to participate in Optional competitions to receive Special Recognition Awards. More information on judging criteria for each competition is available in the Delegate Handbook.The following competitions will be judged by the Finale Judging Panel based on scores received during mandatory competition phase of judging, unless otherwise noted:
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Most Photogenic
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Best Gown
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Best Interview Attire
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Best Runway Model
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Best Cover Model
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Best Portfolio
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Best Fitness Presentation
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International Top Model /Jr. Top Model - Awarded to the highest scoring delegates in the modeling competitions.
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International Latina /Jr. Latina - Awarded to the highest scoring delegates (one each division) in the Latina competition.
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​Disclosure: While delegates generally focus on their on-stage competitions and interviews, it is important to understand that judges will be selecting individuals to represent the pageant for a year as spokespersons. As such, any behavior observed by a judge may be considered in their overall impressions and determination of the delegate's fitness for the position sought.