What are the requirements for entry?

• Miss contestants must be between 18 years of age and under 30 years of age prior to January 1, 2025. (You must have a birthdate between 1994 and 2006 to be eligible for the next state pageant)
• Teen contestants must be at least 14 years of age and under 19 years of age prior to January 1, 2025, and Pre-Teen contestants must be at least 10 years of age and under 14 years of age prior to January 1, 2025. (Teens must have a birthdate between 2006 and 2010, and Pre-Teens birthdate must be between 2011 and 2014)
• Must be a citizen of the United States and remain so through the state and national pageants if you win.
• Must be a permanent resident of The State of North Carolina for at least 3 months prior to the date of the pageant OR, be a full-time student in North Carolina having completed at least one semester or session by December 31st of the pageant year.
• Must be and represent that you are a legally and medically recognized female according to the laws of the United States.
• Must only compete in one STATE pageant of the particular pageant system chosen by the winner (including the District of Columbia) during a single pageant year. (Note: The Miss Triangle Area pageant and Miss City of Oaks pageants are not state pageants.)
• Must comply with all other eligibility requirements found in the entry application.

What are the age requirements for participation in the pageant?

• Miss Contestants: Must be at least 18 years of age and under 30 years of age prior to January 1, 2025. (You must have a birthdate between 1994 and 2006 to be eligible for the next state pageant)
• Pre-Teen and Teen Contestants: Pre-Teens must be at least 10 years of age and under 14 years of age prior to January 1, 2025, and Teens must be at least 14 years of age and under 19 years of age prior to January 1, 2025. (Pre-Teens must have a birthdate between 2011 and 2014, and Teens must have a birthdate between 2006 and 2010)

What are the judging criteria for Miss Contestants?

This competition includes three areas of judging criteria:

• Interview Competition (1/3) This is the get to know you portion of the competition. Judges interview each contestant individually, evaluating confidence, poise and charisma, as well as aspirations and achievements. Good communication skills and clear, meaningful answers prove very beneficial in this section.
• Swimsuit Competition (1/3) Contestants are evaluated on beauty, style, poise, and physical fitness. Swimsuits can be either one or two-piece as desired. Numerical measurements are not considered in this area of competition.
• Evening Gown Competition (1/3) Contestants wear a gown of their choosing. With an emphasis on overall appearance, contestants are evaluated on style, poise, and beauty. This area of competition showcases a contestants individual elegance and grace.

Note: Contestants are Not evaluated for talent and No experience is necessary to participate in this pageant.

What are the judging criteria for Pre-Teen and Teen Contestants?

This competition includes three areas of judging criteria:

• Interview Competition (1/3) This is the get to know you portion of the competition. Judges interview each contestant individually, evaluating confidence, poise and charisma, as well as aspirations and achievements. Good communication skills and clear, meaningful answers prove very beneficial in this section.
• Activewear Competition (1/3) Contestants are evaluated on beauty, style, poise, and physical fitness. Numerical measurements are not considered in this area of competition.
• Evening Gown Competition (1/3) Contestants wear a gown of their choosing. With an emphasis on overall appearance, contestants are evaluated on style, poise, and beauty. This area of competition showcases a contestants individual elegance and grace.

Note: Contestants are Not evaluated for talent and No experience is necessary to participate in this pageant.

How do I become a contestant?

Becoming a contestant is easy, just **Follow these 4 simple steps to apply: **

1. Fill Out the Application Form Using one of the buttons on the Contestant Information Page (The application may be filled out and submitted entirely online, or the application can be downloaded to be filled out and mailed in. Mail in forms are available in both Word and PDF formats)
2. Upload a copy of your Drivers License or Birth Certificate (Your file may be submitted in one of 3 ways: Uploaded directly using the online entry application form, or using the Upload Files Tab in the menu bar. A copy may also be mailed if you prefer to send your application packet by mail.
3. Upload a Headshot Photograph of Yourself (A professional Headshot is preferred, but a good clear head and shoulders image will do as well. Your Image may be submitted in one of 2 ways: Uploaded directly using the online entry application form, or using the Upload Files Tab in the menu bar.
4. Submit Payment for the Entry Fee (Miss and Teen: $299 Early Bird or $359 Final Deadline; Pre-Teen: $149 Early Bird or $199 Final Deadline) using the Online Payment Tab in the menu bar or mail a check with your application. (3% convenience fee applies for online payments)

Are there any height or weight limitations?

No, young women of all shapes and sizes are invited to compete. Contestants are evaluated on beauty, physical fitness, and interview communication skills. We often have a variety of body types among the top finalists in each competition.

Is a talent required to compete in the pageant?

No, talent is not factored in our judging criteria and no talent is required. Contestants are judged in the categories of interview, swimsuit or activewear, and evening gown.

Do I need experience to compete in the pageant?

No, experience is not necessary to compete in the pageant. The competition is open to all young women that meet the eligibility requirements. In fact, the pageant competitions provide many learning and teaching opportunities to help contestants reach their own personal goals. Pageants can teach many beneficial life skills that will pay dividends throughout life.

Am I required to compete in, or win a pageant before I can go to the miss and teen state competition?

No, miss and teen contestants are not required to compete in, or win a pageant before competing in the state pageant, but there are several reasons why you may wish to. Competing in a pageant before the state competition thoroughly helps prepare you for the type of competition you will experience at the state level. Additionally, if you are one of our winners in the Miss or Teen Triangle Area, or Miss or Teen City of Oaks pageants, you will receive individualized coaching and interview training that can greatly improve your success in other pageants or at the state and national level (if you choose to compete at the state level). Similar to sports competitions, athletes must have expert training and coaching in order to perform their best at competitions. Our training and coaching has proven to help young women succeed at the highest levels. Our winners who decide to enter the state USA pageant are also provided entry fees and required advertisement costs to help offset the expense of competing at the state level. Each of our Miss and Teen prize packages are valued at over $2,000, and the Pre-Teen prize package is valued at over $1,200.

Can you give me any advice to help me Win a preliminary or state competition?

Absolutely, and we call them the three P’s; Preparation, Practice, and Perseverance.

• Preparation: For success in any competition, preparation is paramount. Careful attention to details like wardrobe, hair and makeup, and physical training can pay big dividends. Viewing previous Miss USA pageants online can also help prepare you for what to expect in competition. Our Competition Videos page has a selection of recent competitions that may prove beneficial to your preparation process.
• Practice: Practice good posture, standing, walking, smiling, and body language. Familiarizing yourself with current events and rehearsing your answers to typical pageant interview questions can be very beneficial. With an emphasis on the answers you provide to fact sheet questions in your application, be prepared to discuss your answers. Explore other typical questions by simply Googling pageant questions.
• Perseverance: The most important characteristic of any winner is perseverance. Success takes time, it doesn’t happen overnight. If you don’t win right away, don’t give up. Learn from your mistakes, gain experience and confidence, work on preparation, and keep practicing. Many successful winners at local, state, and national levels work for years to become the best they can be. Think of any successful athlete, artist, musician, actor, or actress you admire. Almost none become world class overnight. They continually practice and refine their knowledge, skill, and talents. After they begin achieving success, they keep practicing, training, and working to better themselves. They never give up, and you should never give up on your dreams.

Our pageants help young women develop award winning confidence, and learn many of the skills necessary for successful careers, and strong, lasting relationships. We work tirelessly to help our winners achieve the success they desire in the pageant world and well beyond.

How much does it cost to compete in the pageant?

The Miss and Teen entry fee is $359, and the Pre-Teen entry fee $199 for the Deadline. Contestants will need several items of clothing as well. Many contestants already have items in their wardrobe that will work nicely, but some may choose to select specific items for competition. For opening number, you will need a black cocktail dress. For interview, you will need one of the following: a dress, a skirt and top, or pants and top. Miss contestants will need a one- or two-piece swimsuit (no thongs or string bikinis). Teen contestants will need activewear/fitness wear with long or short bottoms. For evening gown, a full-length gown will be needed. Keep in mind that evening gowns may also be rented at considerably reduced expense. Check your local area for gown rental companies.

What clothing items will be needed for the pageant?

Several articles of clothing will be needed for the different phases of competition. Many contestants already have items in their wardrobe that will work nicely, but some may choose to select specific items for competition. For interview, contestants in all divisions will need one of the following: a dress, a skirt and top, or pants and top. Miss contestants will need a one- or two-piece swimsuit (no thongs or string bikinis). Teen and Pre-Teen contestants will need activewear/fitness wear with long or short bottoms. For evening gown, a full-length gown of your choice will be needed for all contestants. Keep in mind that evening gowns may also be rented at considerably reduced expense. Check your local area for gown rental companies.

Do I need to live in the Triangle Area to compete in the pageant?

No, If you live anywhere in North Carolina or are a full-time student going to school in North Carolina, you can compete in the pageant. To be more specific, you must be a permanent resident of The State of North Carolina for at least 3 months prior to the date of the pageant OR, be a full-time student in North Carolina having completed at least one semester or session by December 31st of the pageant year.

Can my friends and family attend the show?

Absolutely, we encourage support from friends and family members. Tickets will be on sale at a discount before the day of the show and at regular price the day of the show.

What are the eligibility requirements to enter the State Miss and Teen pageant in the USA system?

These are the general eligibility requirements for entry:

• Miss contestants must be between 19 years of age prior to January 1, 2025. (You must have a birthdate of 2006 or earlier to be eligible for the next state pageant)
• Teen contestants must be at least 14 years of age and under 19 years of age prior to January 1, 2025. (You must have a birthdate between 2006 and 2010 to be eligible for the next state pageant)
• Must be a citizen of the United States and remain so through the state and national pageants if you win.
• Must be a permanent resident of The State of North Carolina for at least 3 months prior to the date of the pageant OR, be a full-time student in North Carolina having completed at least one semester or session by December 31st of the pageant year. Note: Several forms of proof of residency will be required for verification.
• Must be and represent that you are a legally and medically recognized female according to the laws of the United States.
• Must only compete in one STATE Miss USA pageant (including the District of Columbia) during a single pageant year. (Note: The Miss Triangle Area and City of Oaks pageants are not state pageants. Additionally, Miss America Competitions do not apply to this requirement)
• Must comply with all other eligibility requirements found in the state entry application.

What does it cost to enter the State USA pageant?

The cost to enter the state pageant is $1495. The breakdown is as follows:

• Entry fee ($495)
• 2 required program book advertisements ($500 each for a total of $1000)

If you win one of the Miss/Teen Triangle Area or Miss/Teen City of Oaks titles and you choose to compete on the state USA level, you will receive $1,000 to apply towards the entry fee and required advertisement pages for the program book. You would then only be responsible for the remaining fees. You may wish to solicit sponsorship to cover the remaining fees, which could result in no out of pocket costs for you to enter the state pageant. We will instruct winners on how to solicit for sponsorship and additional funding.

Can I enter the State USA pageant at large?

Yes, anyone able to meet the eligibility and cost requirements may enter. You are not required to compete in, or win a pageant before competing in the state pageant, but there are several reasons why you may wish to. Competing in a pageant before the state competition thoroughly helps prepare you for the type of competition you will experience at the state level. Additionally, if you are one of our winners in the Miss or Teen Triangle Area, or Miss or Teen City of Oaks pageants, you will receive individualized coaching and interview training that can greatly improve your success in other pageants or at the state and national level (if you choose to compete at the state USA level). Similar to sports competitions, athletes must have expert training and coaching in order to perform their best at competitions. Our training and coaching has proven to help young women succeed at the highest levels. Our winners who decide to enter the state USA pageant are also provided entry fees and required advertisement costs to help offset the expense of competing at the state level. Each of our prize packages are valued at over $1800 each.

Is there any assistance that can help with entry costs or expenses?

Yes, you may choose to solicit sponsorships if you desire. Sponsorships can help offset costs of entry and cover other general expenses. Additional information on sponsorships can be found below.

How do sponsorships work?

You may wish to solicit sponsorships to offset or cover the costs of entering the state pageant. Sponsorships can be sought from individuals or businesses as desired. We will assist our winners with strategies and advice to attain successful sponsorships. You may be able to exceed the cost requirements with a surplus of sponsorships. A surplus would enable you to cover additional expenses such as wardrobe, hair and makeup, fuel costs, etc.

Do I have to pay for a hotel room at the State USA pageant in addition to entry fees?

No, your hotel room is provided by the state pageant for one night. Each room is double occupancy with two double beds. You will share a room with one other contestant. As a courtesy to other contestants, no friends, family, or guests are allowed in the room at any time. If you would prefer a private room, you may choose to reserve one at your expense.

Do I have to pay for food at the State USA pageant in addition to entry fees?

No, all of your meals are provided by the state pageant. Though meals are provided, you may wish to bring any additional snacks you desire. Contestants with special dietary needs should bring items to meet their individual requirements.

Where can my friends and family stay on State USA pageant weekend?

Your friends and family may choose to stay at any of the local hotels, but many choose to reserve rooms at the "host" hotel during pageant weekend. The "host" hotel offers discounted friends and family rates during pageant weekend.