Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of entering National American Miss?
National American Miss helps grow confidence and teaches lifelong skills like interviewing, public speaking, and presenting yourself in front of others. Contestants also earn scholarships and prizes, including access to the over $230 million dollars in scholarship aid awarded annually from Midland University. Contestants also have the opportunity to create lifelong memories and friendships.

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Is previous pageant experience required?
No. Girls of all experience levels can succeed, and first-time contestants often excel. NAM provides all the tools and guidance needed to prepare for pageant weekend.

 

Is National American Miss a “beauty” or “glitz” pageant?
No. Representatives are chosen on competition in four required areas: Personal Introduction (30 %), Formal Wear Modeling (30 %), Interview (30 %), and Community Service Project (10 %). Scoring is based on personality, confidence, and communication, not physical appearance.

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Do I have to get “coaching” or other formal training?
No. The State Pageant Guidebook and professional staff training provide everything needed to learn stage technique and develop individual style. There are also rehearsals during pageant weekend. However, as with anything (from athletics to the arts!) there are definitely advantages to dedicated practice and preparation: whether that's at home with family or friends, or through hiring a coach.

 

What color or style does my formal dress have to be?
There is no required color or style. Choose an age-appropriate dress that makes you feel confident and comfortable, and follow the dress length guidelines for your age division.

 

Are the personal interviews one-on-one?
Yes. The Interview competition is conducted one-on-one with each judge, with friendly, age-appropriate, open-ended questions. It’s designed to be a positive, beneficial experience.

 

What is a Sponsor Fee?
For the NAM State Pageant, the total sponsor fee is $650 and covers pageant production costs like awards, judges, staging, printed materials, staff, scholarships, etc. You may have as many sponsors as you wish. Your entry fee is non-refundable. For the NAM National Pageant, the total sponsor fee is $950. If you win your state pageant, this entry fee is paid in full!

 

Do I have to raise my sponsor fee, or can we just pay it ourselves?
It’s up to you. You can raise funds or pay the sponsor fee yourself. Any additional sponsorship contributions can go toward pageant-related costs.

 

How do I get sponsors?
A good starting place is local businesses where your family does business (e.g., salons, insurance companies, banks). Visiting sponsors professionally is also excellent interview practice. Sponsors receive recognition in the state program book, and business contributions are typically tax-deductible.

 

If I choose not to enter Optional Contests, will it affect my chances of winning the overall pageant?
No. Optional contests are judged separately and do not affect the overall pageant outcome. Optional contests are opportunities to shine in specific areas of interest.

 

Do I have to sell advertising to enter?
No. Advertising sales are not required, but they’re offered as a way to earn special prizes and recognition in your state program book.

 

Do I have to stay at the pageant host hotel?
No. Staying at the host hotel isn’t required, but NAM offers discounted room blocks for finalists and families, which is often convenient and fun.

 

What is the National Fast Pass (State Queen Alumni) Rule?
This rule allows reigning or past State Queens who can’t compete at their state pageant (due to crowning a successor or not aging into the next division) to fast-track directly to the National All-American Miss National Pageant, provided they compete in the correct age division and meet eligibility.

 

What are the NAM State Residency Requirements?
Participants must meet NAM’s residency rules. Upon request, applicants must provide at least three approved documents to establish eligibility for a given state. NAM determines residency eligibility, and contestants may compete in only one state event per year. Learn more here.