How To Compete In Pageants

December 29, 2021

It has been a whirlwind of holiday cheer and reasons to celebrate despite some of the difficulties we are facing in healthcare and the community at large. One of the biggest difficulties I recently shed light on was the cost of education. I shared how I helped pay for my medical school tuition through competing in Miss America pageants. See the Reel below:


My message resonated with so many people around the world. Several of you wanted to find out exactly how to get involved in pageants. I hope the following information on the who, what, why, when, where, and how gives you better insight and inspires you to start your own journey!

For more on my pageant experience click HERE. Keep in mind this post is specifically talking about Miss America (Congratulations to Miss America 2022, Emma Broyles, who won $100,000 in scholarship assistance along with a six-figure salary plus benefits for her year-long reign). There are several other pageant organizations but I am not as familiar with these and cannot speak to their requirements, their rewards, or the cost.


Who can compete?

According to Miss America's website, you can compete if you:

  • Are between the ages of 17 and 25 years old
  • Are a United States citizen
  • Meet residency requirements for competing in a certain city or state
    • Must reside in state of competition
    • Be enrolled in and physically attending classes on a full-time basis at an accredited college or university
    • Be employed on a full-time bases in the state in which you intend to compete
  • Meet character criteria as set forth by the Miss America Organization
  • Be in reasonable good health to meet the job requirements
  • Be able to meet the time commitment and job responsibilities as set forth by the local, state, and national competition(s) in which you compete
  • Here is the complete list of eligibility requirements
There is no height requirement. Additionally, Miss America has made several changes since my experience with an emphasis on women empowerment, inclusivity, and diversity.

There is also the MAOTeen (Miss America Outstanding Teen) pageant for those who are interested in competing at a younger age. Here are the eligibility requirements.

What is involved in competing?

There is a $35 registration fee, which gives you the chance to win a $1000 scholarship right from the start. In addition, you must complete an application that includes a social impact statement, your resume, and come up with a talent (mine was dance one year and singing the next). My platform was STEAM: Adding Arts to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).

The only additional fundraising I did to become a contestant was raise money for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMNH). Miss America has raised over $6.9 billion in donations for CMNH and continues to be a proud partner. Learn more HERE. It is an incredible cause and actually led me to volunteer at our local Children's Miracle Network Hospital.

Why compete?

As described on the Miss America website, "[t]he organization stands for empowering young women across the country to be the best they can be through leadership, talent, communication skills and smarts." In several cases, a lot of growth and development happens behind the scenes. What you see on stage is only a small part of the experience. Competing for Miss America pageants gives you the opportunity to gain valuable life skills, earn scholarship money (regardless of winning), discover new interests, make lifelong friendships, achieve goals, foster a positive mindset, receive recognition for community involvement, and develop a sense of responsibility for helping others.

Miss America gives you access to exclusive professional development series with experts in:

  • Public Speaking
  • Advocacy and Fundraising
  • Resume building
  • Career and Networking opportunities
  • Health and Wellness
  • Financial Literacy
  • Performance, Press, and Social Media training

When to compete?


Take into account the age requirements for when you sign up. Since Miss America 2022 was just crowned, the next round of competitions will begin in the summer (i.e. June). This gives you time to prepare your application, interviews, on stage question, talent, and wardrobe. Be aware of the time commitments for rehearsals and appearances as well.

Where to compete?


The order of competition starts with local pageants meaning in your hometown or neighboring ones. Each pageant (depending on your state) offers its own scholarship opportunities, whether for participating, placing runner up, or winning. Of course, the more locals you compete in, the more scholarship money you can earn as well. Once you win a local pageant and become a titleholder, you are eligible to compete in the state pageant, which has its own scholarships. Examples include Academic Awards, Interview Awards, and of course awards for being a runner-up and winning. The next step is the national Miss America competition. Along the way, you will receive exclusive merchandise, sponsorships, and discounts.


How to compete?


Interested in signing up as a Miss America contestant? Click HERE and HERE

A few tips to cut down on costs include connecting with former and current contestants to get involved in the pageant network. You will discover many titleholders are selling their clothing and jewelry at reduced prices (there are online consignment shops whether on Facebook or even Poshmark). I was able to borrow several pieces of my wardrobe from friends and the pageant community. What I did not borrow, I ended up finding in thrift stores for the most part.

Share with someone you think may be interested! And remember:



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