P:I must have pageant experience to compete in a Miss USA or Miss Teen USA state pageant.
R:On the contrary! Quite often our competitors are the “girls next door” with little or no pageant experience. Almost on an annual basis we have girls winning that have never competed with us before. For instance, Vanessa Minnillo had never competed in a pageant before she competed and won Miss SC Teen USA. She then went on to win Miss Teen USA and has since embarked on a remarkable career in the entertainment industry.
P:I must be “tall” to win the pageant.
R:Absolutely not! Each contestant in our pageant is an individual and the judges are looking for body proportion and personality, not a specific body measurement.
P:I am too old or too young to enter the pageant.
R:Never at any time are the judges directed to consider age when choosing a state winner. Age is only a factor in determining which division you will compete.
P:I must patronize the pageant sponsors when preparing for competition.
R:We do our best to seek out the best of the best when it comes to our contestants. We provide our sponsor information to you as a resource, hoping that you will see it as a benefit. We’ve always made it a practice that our sponsors do not discuss with us who their clients are; and it is certainly the contestant’s personal choice.
P:I have heard that the Miss USA pageant is a more sexy pageant than the others.
R:The Miss USA pageants are considered more “glamorous” than other pageants; but we advocate “elegance” and “grace.”
P:I simply cannot afford to compete.
R:We explain how to obtain sponsorships and offer many fundraising ideas to cover competition costs—including entry fee and wardrobe. Your family, friends and local business leaders will be supportive, when you share your goals with them.
P:I must be a perfect “10” in swimsuit.
R:Physical fitness is important, but contestants are judged in three “equal” categories—evening gown, personal interview, and swimsuit.
P:I must wear the most beautiful, expensive gown in order to win.
R:Our judges are instructed to score the contestant’s poise and sense of style, not the gown itself. The secret is to feel beautiful with whatever gown choice you make.
P:I need a “pageant coach” to help me prepare.
R:Even though some contestants wish to seek expert advice, we do not see this reflected in the overall outcome of the pageant. Focus on being your “personal best!”
P:Only the winners are selected for various modeling/talent opportunities and career benefits.
R:Not true! On a regular basis we receive requests from modeling agencies and casting companies looking for young ladies for particular opportunities. We often recommend previous contestants to fill the requests.
P:If I win, I must put my life on hold—including my career or school responsibilities.
R:Our program is an excellent vehicle that encourages your success. We would never advocate quitting your job, or school, but instead, we work closely with you to help you balance the responsibilities of everyday life and life as a titleholder. The commitment to compete in the MISS USA or MISS TEEN USA pageant is an incredibly rewarding experience. Your life will change and we can promise it will be full of fun and exciting possibilities!
P:When will the national pageant be televised?
R:The Miss USA national pageant is typically televised in the Spring or Summer each year. The Miss Teen USA national pageant, is typically produced in July/August of each year, but is not always televised. In 2008, the Miss Teen USA pageant began web-casting live from the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas.
P:What happens if I can’t get my registration materials in before the deadlines?
R:Deadlines are important to us in order to make timely program preparations. However, we realize that unexpected circumstances can arise and that the collection of sponsorship may take longer than expected. Therefore, extension on due dates are available when needed. If you need an extension, please call or email the pageant office and request a new due date.
P:What type of photo should I use for my official state pageant photo in the program book?
R:A 5×7 or larger color photo should be emailed (paperwork@rpmproductions.com) or mailed to the pageant office no later than 6 weeks prior to the pageant weekend.
P:Will this years contestants’ photos be posted on the website?
R:Yes, photos will be posted on the state pageant website approximately one week prior to the state pageant. The photos will be judged for Miss Photogenic by various national media outlets, modeling and casting agencies.
