How to Enter the Miss USA Pageant

Winners of the Miss USA Pageant can expect to receive big bucks and a chance to travel the world. However, only one person is named Miss USA at each pageant and it is a difficult task just to enter the competition. It's a win-or-go-home system that takes skill to master.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Know the categories. Miss USA contestants are judged in the following categories: Personal Interview, Swimsuit Competition and Evening Gown Competition. Prepare to compete in each category.

2. Apply to your state pageant. You must submit a photo, application and any required information to the pageant organizer.

3. Get selected to compete at the state level. Unfortunately, this is something you will have little control over. Some states hold interviews and primary city pageants while others do not. The state will notify you by mail if you've been accepted.

4. Be crowned Miss State USA. If you win your state and are crowned Miss Texas USA, for example, you win the honor of competing in the Miss USA Pageant.

Tips & Warnings

• Performing Talent is not a category in the Miss USA Pageant, but if you make it you will be required to participate in two floor shows.
• Contestants in the Miss USA Pageant must be women between the ages 18 to 27 by February 1 of the year they compete. They must be single, never married and have no children. Entrants can only compete in the Miss USA Pageant once.
• The Miss USA Pageant is separate from the Miss America Pageant. The winner of the Miss USA Pageant goes on to represent the United States in the Miss Universe Pageant.

Resources

• Find a link to your state pageant at the Miss USA website.