Each candidate participates in an individual 10-minute press conference-style interview with a panel of judges. Candidates are questioned on their background as presented on their resume, their educational and career goals, their opinions on current events and social issues, their social impact initiative, and their interests, hobbies and extracurricular activities.

The on-stage interview is a continuation of the Private Interview. The objective is to evaluate a candidate’s ability to think on their feet and answer a question of general interest to people her age, including, but not limited to, local, state and national current events.

This phase of competition is where the delegate showcases her commitment to health and fitness initiatives. This phase may include her experiences with self-care and health goals, and related initiatives, or a health/fitness statement. 

Candidates perform a 90-second routine of their own choosing, including but not limited to: singing, dance, gymnastics, instrumental music, dramatic or comedy monologues, poetry, baton twirling, speed painting, science, and ventriloquism.

The red carpet portion is designed for panelist to look at how the candidate exhibits their own personal style, attitude, personality, grace, presence, and confidence in evening wear or whatever a candidate would wear at a formal red carpet event. Note: Neither the gown itself nor the estimated cost of the gown will be considered in scoring. The panelists are only looking at composure, confidence, and command of the stage.