Miss Washington USA

How is the Miss Washington USA® and Miss Washington Teen USA® Pageant judged?

Each contestant is judged in three areas of competition; Interview, Swimsuit and Evening Gown. Judging criteria specifically focuses on character, poise, confidence and personality.

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Can I have a friend enter the pageant with me?

Yes, absolutely. In fact, we encourage it! Many of last year's contestants have chosen to return this year and have recommended their friends to participate as well. Also, if you recommend the pageant to a friend who registers in time to hold their spot and compete in the pageant, you will receive a sponsorship credit of $100. So, this can be a great way of collecting sponsorship.

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Does my weight and/or height and body type matter?

Measurements are not considered! This is a pageant that is focused on inner beauty and character. Whether you're 4' tall or 7' tall it doesn't matter. In the swimsuit portion of the competition, the judges will acknowledge physical fitness, which includes a healthy and fit body with no requirements for the shape or size. There's usually a wide range of body styles and types for the Top Semi-Finalists each year.

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Is there a talent portion of the competition?

No, there is no talent round. However, contestants are encouraged to discuss their talents both on their application and in the interview portion of the competition.

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How difficult is it to collect sponsorship?

Collecting sponsorship is very easy to do, however it does take a small time commitment on your part. It is highly recommended that you make a list of potential sponsors such as friends and family members and their employers, etc. and spend a few hours on the weekend or when your schedule allows you to collect your sponsorships. When you approach potential sponsors and explain the pageant, the charities and the scholarship opportunities it supports and what your experience will entail, it is extremely beneficial in terms of developing new and/or better communication skills. This is an essential characteristic to have if you're going to be the next Miss Washington USA® or Miss Washington Teen USA®.

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I don't have very much money...but I want to do the pageant, what should I do?

Our goal is for each contestant to collect 100% of the sponsorship fee from local businesses, organizations, employers, friends and family members. Again, this is tax-deductible for those that assist you with sponsorship. If you work hard on collecting sponsorships, it is very possible that you may not incur expenses from your own pocket and may raise more than is needed. In addition, we have had several contestants receive a material item sponsorship, such as a dress, tanning, a haircut, etc.

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If I win, will it interfere with school?

We make school the number one priority! Almost all of your appearances, celebrity events, and charity work will take place during the weekend and will be scheduled in advance. In addition for Teens, the MISS TEEN USA® pageant is held in the summer time to accommodate your school schedule.

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What if I have never done a pageant before...does that matter?

Not at all, in fact most of our contestants are newcomers to pageants such as Kaylee Moore (Miss Washington Teen USA 2005) and Tara McCormack (Miss Washington USA 2004). On the other hand, some are pageant veterans, like Amy Crawford (Miss Washington USA 2005) and Shalane Larango (Miss Washington Teen USA 2006).

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What style of gown should I choose?

The only requirement for the evening gown competition is that you wear a long gown (i.e. a length that usually falls below the ankle). You can choose any style, color, fabric, etc. Beads and sequins are fine. Choose a gown that best shows your personality but is also very fashionable and couture. Prom type of dresses are NOT the best gowns.

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What kind of questions will the judges ask me?

The judges' job is to get to know you and your individual personality. They will not be asking you trivia style questions that you would see on JEOPARDY! They will ask you questions off of your personal profile sheet and will basically be instructed to have a conversation with you...almost as you would have a conversation with your friend on the telephone. It's a lot of fun and the judges are very friendly!

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What kind of swimsuit should I wear?

You bring your own swimsuit. You can choose from a one piece or a two piece...any color, pattern and style. You should choose a swimsuit that you feel good in as long as it is conservatively presentable. Thong style or any other inappropriate swimwear is absolutely not allowed. You will also need to wear shoes in the swimsuit competition. Clear heels or skin toned heels work well.

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There are a lot of pageants out there, how do I know which one to choose?

The best way to decide is to do research on the organization, etc. Look into who owns it, whether or not it is nationally televised and how long it has been around. This pageant, the Miss Washington USA® and Miss Washington Teen USA® is part of the MISS USA®, MISS TEEN USA® and MISS UNIVERSE® Organization which has been in existence for over 50 years. All three pageants are nationally televised and continue to provide scholarships and open doors in business, entertainment, fashion, etc. for young women around the world.

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What if I have more questions that aren't on this list?

You are welcome to call the pageant office at 425.861.8712. A quicker way may be to email us at staff@misswashingtonusa.com. Either way, we would be more than happy to hear from you and answer any questions you may have.

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Official preliminaries to the MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® Pageants. Miss Washington USA® and Miss Washington Teen USA® are independently produced by Pageants NW under license from Miss Universe L.P., LLLP.