Phases of the competition

Private Interview (25% of total score)
Qualities and attributes of a Miss America; overall first impression; personal appearance; personality; intelligence; validated opinions; speech, vocabulary, and grammar; responses in context; style; and emotional control.

Talent (35% of total score)
Personality; interpretive ability; technical skill level, execution, technique, synchronization; stage presence; totality of all elements – including costume, props, voice, use of body, and choreography.

Lifestyle and Fitness in Swimsuit (15% of total score)
Overall first impression; statement of physical fitness and health; overall physique, which is pleasing to her height, weight and bone structure; sense of attractiveness; technique, including walk, posture, grace; sense of confidence; and presence.
 

Evening Wear (20% of total score)
Overall first impression; sense of confidence; personality and stage presence; technique, including walk, posture; appropriateness of attire; sense of attractiveness.

On Stage Questions (5% of total score)
Responses to two on stage questions and are designed for the contestant to make a final statement about her platform and to allow her personality to be expressed. The contestant is judged on sense of confidence, personality, stage presence, richness of voice, expression, vocabulary, and sincerity.