Asked
Questions
To become Miss America, a contestant must first win a local competition such as Miss Heart of Plant City and then compete to represent Florida, a process requiring personal commitment, hard work and talent. A woman may compete at the state level more than once, but may only represent her state in the national Miss America competition one time.
How is the Miss America program different from other pageant systems?
Developed by the Miss America Organization, the Miss America program exists to provide personal and professional opportunities for young women to promote their voices in culture, politics and the community. Almost all contestants have either received, or are in the process of earning college or postgraduate degrees and utilize Miss America scholarship grants to further their educations. The Miss America Organization is the leading provider of scholarships for young women in the world. Although some young women compete in both Miss America and Miss USA, the two systems are completely separate. In 1952, Catalina Swimsuits founded the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants as product promotion tools.
Are scholarships available for those who are not awarded a title?
Yes. There are all types of scholarships available at the local, state and national levels of competition. Even if you do not win a title you are still eligible for scholarship assistance. The Miss America Organization is the leading provider of scholarships for young women in the world. Each year, the organization makes available more than $45 million in cash and tuition scholarship assistance.
I have not been competing since I was a child, do I have a chance of becoming Miss America?
Yes. Most titleholders have not competed in pageant systems long before being awarded a local title and scholarship money. In her first year of competition, Miss America 2002 Katie Harman won a local title and went on to become the first runner-up to Miss Oregon. The following year she won another local, was selected as Miss Oregon and went on to become Miss America 2002 with only 2 years of competition experience. Katie entered the Miss America system solely for the scholarship money and in 2 years has earned more than $75,000 in scholarships to assist in furthering her education.
What are the competition categories and percentages?
Competition categories and percentages are different for each of the pageants. Please review the appropriate page for the Title you are seeking for details.