Judging Criteria | American Pageants

The American Pageants’ Judging Criteria is unique because it offers a variety of categories for the express purpose of providing a balanced judging format focused on achievement.

Resume 45%

Each candidate will submit three resumes. The resumes are judged based on extent of involvement, significance of contribution, devotion of cause, general enthusiasm, and overall professionalism.

Resume 1 – Personal Development of Talents & Skills (15%)

Encompasses the special skills, hobbies, and interests candidates have developed. In short, anything pursued to make the candidate a more well-rounded individual.
Activities may include athletics, studies in music or dance, and special hobbies ranging from sewing to art work to photography.
This category seeks to recognize the personal interests of the contestants and encourage the development of talents and skills.

Resume 2 – Service & Achievements in School & Community (15%)

This should include a candidate’s list of participation in and contributions to school clubs and organizations as well as external community involvement.
Items listed may include student government and other school clubs, civic activities such as 4-H, church involvement, and all volunteer work.
Leadership qualities will be stressed in the review of the resume.

Resume 3 – Scholastic & Professional Record (15%)

This should include a transcript or end of year report card as an attachment.
Points of consideration include over-all scholastic average, nature of classes taken, class rank (if available), and significant test scores.
Academic achievements and/or related honors are of specific interest.
Classroom attitudes and general scholastic attributes will also be evaluated.
If a candidate has held positions in the workforce, professional experience, achievements, promotions, and related honors should be included. If this is the case, a professional resume should also be attached.

General Awareness Test 15%

At the pageant, each candidate will take a written test designed to measure her awareness of the world around her. This is NOT an intelligence or a scholastic-oriented test, but rather it seeks to measure a candidate’s familiarity with fads, fashions, and current events concentrating on politics, television, literature, and sports. Knowledge of school related material and common sense are also covered.

Personality Projection & Poise in Evening Wear 15%

Each candidate will present themselves onstage in a formal dress of her choosing. She will be scored on the suitability of attire and grooming, carriage, posture and most importantly – projection of her personality, poise, and confidence. Attire and grooming should reflect a positive image and therefore be age appropriate. Candidates will introduce themselves on stage and include information such as their hometown or school, future plans, or an interesting fact. Statements should be original and infused with personality. Judging will be based on effective use of the microphone, clear and articulate speech, confidence and general presentation.

Judge’s Interview 25%

Each candidate will be interviewed by a panel of judges. Judges will be looking for such qualities as clarity of expression, verbal command, sincerity, perception, sense of values, friendliness, courtesy, tactfulness, poise, self-confidence, and most importantly, overall ability in human relations and personality.