How to Apply for America's Next Top Model

America's Next Top Model continues to be a hit show and without it, chances are the obsession with the modeling world wouldn't be as popular as it is now. While the process for applying to the show is easy, actually making it onto the show is the real challenge, not to mention winning it all!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Application
• Video (if you don't attend the casting call)
• Casting location/info
• A great look

1. A countless number of women and young ladies turn out for each casting cycle of ANTM, however, the application process actually isn't that difficult to do. If you've always wondered if you could make it, why not give the process a shot and see what comes out of it?

2. 

   Before taking any action, it is important to read the eligibility requirements first and only apply if you meet the requirements listed. You can find the rules, regs, and requirements on the CW Network website.

3. 

   There are two ways to apply as a contestant on ANTM: you can either attend a casting call or you can mail in your submission. Regardless of which method you choose, you will need to fill out the complete application, which ranges between 15-17 pages. The application form will ask basic questions such as mailing address, contact information, age, height & weight, and then gets into more specific questions to gauge your personality and how you would handle being on television. If you attend the open casting call you will only need to bring your completed application, but if you plan on mailing your submission in, you will be required to also submit a 3-minute videotape of yourself.

4. 

   The 3-minute video can be submitted in either VHS or DVD format. Make sure you are the only person that appears on the video. What you say and do is up to you but make sure it is unique, fun, and showcases your personality and suitability for being on the show. One requirement for the video, however, is that you must do a runway walk on camera as part of your submission (the rules say to have no music on in the background when you do your walk so be mindful of that).

5. 

   Before mailing your submission, make sure your package contains the following:
   
   1) Completed application
   2) Videotape
   3) 3 photos of you (see the actual eligibility rules for the specific type of photos they want)
   4) Photocopies of your passport (must be current) and driver's license or photocopies of your social security card and birth certificate

6. To attend the casting call, you'll have to check the CW Network's website and click on the ANTM link, which will direct you to the proper page where you'll find a list of the cities where ANTM will be holding each casting. It will list the name, address and time of the casting. If the city and state you are inquiring about is blank then you'll need to check back in a few days or weeks when the information will be updated.

7. 

   Be prepared to wait in line for the casting. No matter how early you arrive, chances are you'll still have a line in front of you. Many girls sleep on the sidewalks or camp out the night before in order to be first in line. One young lady arrived at 8:30am only to find 150 people in front of her! Of course this also varies upon the city and state. Larger cities tend to have the most people show up (LA, SF, NY, etc), while smaller cities may be easier to get through the casting process. The show producers typically take in 10 girls at a time so be patient and bring a book or something to occupy your time.

8. 
   On the right is a no-no for dark jeans and heels, on the left (minus the colorful shoes) is a yes.

   Think of attending the casting for ANTM as going to an open casting call for a regular modeling agency. That means don't wear outrageously stylish clothes. You need to showcase YOU, not the designer you're wearing. Standard open call attire for models consists of form-fitting, dark jeans and a form-fitting tank top or baby tee in a solid color that complements your skin tone. Avoid all logos, patterns, busy designs, words, brand names, and images. Wear shoes with a heel (although they may ask you to take them off to see your real height). Your shoes should be solid in color and avoid loud colors. Nude, taupe, black, or white heels are ideal.

9. 

   Wear your hair how you normally would but make sure it is out of your face. As for makeup, wear little to no makeup in order for the producers to see your true, natural beauty. Because you'll be on camera, you may want to use powder to avoid on-camera shine. At most, a light coat of mascara, powder, and clear lip gloss should be enough to suffice.

10. 

    Be prepared to do your runway walk in front of the producers during your audition. It's okay if you aren't a pro but make sure you practice prior to the casting so you'll be comfortable walking in heels and in front of other people.

11. 

    After you've turned in your application by mail or have completed your in-person audition, there's nothing else to do but wait. It typically takes about 1-2 months before the producers choose the semi-finalists or finalists but if you're chosen, you will be contacted by the producers. If you make it onto the show, you'll usually be notified one week before you'll be required to move into the house with the other contestants. All travel and accommodations for the semi-finals and finals are paid for by the show.

Tips & Warnings

• Aside from your looks, your personality should speak out to the producer on your videotape or during your audition at the casting call. Don't be afraid to be vocal or show your personality.
• Keep in mind that this is for a reality TV show so expect there to be your typical drama, fancy editing, and other TV tricks.
• Even if you don't win the show itself, being on ANTM can open doors to other modeling opportunities. Many of the voted off contestants have gone on to become successful, agency represented models or were able to network with other professionals in the industry to further their modeling goals.
• While waiting in line for the casting, be wary of shady characters that may be drawn to the crowd. Do not give your name, contact info or any other personal information to anyone outside of the ANTM show, especially if they claim to be a manager or modeling agent. Chances are they're not legit.
• Read the fine print and be realistic about what you're about to get into. Although we see a lot of the final contestants cry and complain about their situation on camera, in the eligibility guidelines it outlines just about everything the contestants should expect to run into, including but not limited to: being videotaped 24 hours a day, living in a house that is equipped with both visible and hidden cameras, and the possibility that the contestants may be asked to pose nude or semi nude.
• Be smart about how you act and what you say while the cameras are on. You'd be surprised how people can change once they know they are being filmed. Even if you do your best to not cause waves, editing is a powerful thing so be mindful of anything you say that may be misconstrued as offensive, racist, or any other type of scandalous talk that may paint you out to be a person you really aren't.
• Be careful what you wish for. Be sure you really are willing to do what it takes to be on the show and to win the show. You will be challenged and it may not always be in a way that you like.

[pumpkinn]

on 9/27/2009 where do you find the applications?

[djackman]

on 3/27/2009 very well written 5*

[Doodlebabe]

on 3/15/2009 Very detailed and well-written. You definitely make sure to cover all the bases and I love how you make sure readers are realistic about the work put behind this. 5*!

[Felicia822]

on 3/13/2009 What a well thought out article, detailed, and very informative. RCRR 5*

[jenng]

on 3/3/2009 Alot of detail good job 5*