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.
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.
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.
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.
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.