The phases of competition for Miss Arlington, Miss Loudoun County, Miss Arlington's Teen, and Miss Loudoun County's Teen are determined by the Miss America Organization. An Olympic Scoring System is used. Candidates are scored 1-10, whole numbers only. The high and low scores for each candidate are dropped. The remaining scores are combined and percentages figured. The total score for each candidate determines the result of the competition.
Private Interview - 30% of final score
Delegates participate in a private, 10-minute interview with the judging panel, where they may be asked questions ranging from the delegate's resume, current events, hobbies, experience, education, and more. Delegates should wear professional and fashionable attire as if they are participating in a job interview.
Judges evaluate a delegate's ability to fulfill the qualifications, responsibilities, duties, and term of the titleholder; personal qualities and attributes relevant to the titleholder position; commitment to their community service initiative; ability to express their own beliefs in an authentic and relatable manner; sense of accomplishments / goals above and beyond the fact sheet; spontaneity, intelligence, sense of humor, charm and charisma; authenticity and ability to answer questions in a conversational, unrehearsed manner; and ability to serve as a role model and if they are reflective of their generation.
Talent / HERStory™- 20% of final score
Delegates take the stage to perform a 90-second talent in front of the judging panel and a live audience, or deliver a 90-second HERStory™ stage presentation. Delegates should wear a costume or outfit appropriate to their talent performance or HERStory™ stage presentation.
Judges evaluate preparatory, performance, or storytelling skills; overall presentation or performance skills and ability to deliver a captivating presentation or performance; interpretive ability and entertainment value relative to the category of performance art; stage presence, on-stage personality, and personal connection to her story; totality of the performance elements of on stage presentation; ability to capture the attention of an audience while performing on stage.
Health and Fitness - 20% of final score
Delegates showcase their commitment to health and fitness initiatives. A delegate’s discipline and commitment to being physically healthy is a key to success in all other areas of life, and the rigors of representing the Miss America or Miss America’s Teen program as a national titleholder. Delegates should wear their choice of a fitness outfit - some examples include: yoga pants / shorts and top, dance attire, or other athletic wear.
Judges evaluate overall first impression of a dynamic presence; how a delegate radiates health; to what extent the delegate presents high energy, engaging vitality, and a sense of confidence.
Evening Gown - 20% of final score
Delegates present their sense of style, wearing an evening gown in a fashion suitable for an appearance as a titleholder. Part of a titleholder’s role is to attend galas, fundraisers, awards shows, and other formal events. This often involves walking a red carpet, posting for press photographers, modeling in fashion shows, or promoting various national fashion designers who partner with Miss America or Miss America’s Teen programs. Delegates should wear a formal outfit of their choosing that appropriately reflects their style and wardrobe preferences.
Judges evaluate ability to capture attention on stage and individual stage presence; comfort, confidence, and composure; overall impression of ability to represent the Miss America or Miss America’s Teen Organization at a high profile event. Scoring is based on how the delegate carries themself/performs in this phase of competition, not on the actual gown they are wearing or the perceived cost of that gown.
On-Stage Conversation - 10% of final score
Delegates are asked a question live on-stage immediately following the competition opening presentation / choreography. The preliminary conversation question is a single question asked onstage regarding the delegate’s Community Service Initiative (CSI). The delegate's response should not be longer than 30 seconds.
Judges evaluate a delegate's commitment to the Service point of the crown; their unique perspective on community service and it’s local impact; desire to create interest in their community service initiatives. This phase of competition brings the interview to the stage in an interactive, engaging way to showcase each delegate and highlights intelligence, personality, charisma, and aptitude for the titleholder’s opportunity. It also allows a look at the sense of composure in presenting ideas on stage and interactivity with the judging panelists and the audience.
