About the Competition
The Miss San Diego Scholarship Organization is proud to be part of the Miss America Opportunity, one of the nation's leading organizations dedicated to empowering young women through scholarships, leadership, service, and personal growth.
As a Miss San Diego delegate, you'll have the opportunity to advocate for a cause you're passionate about, earn college scholarships, strengthen your communication and interview skills, showcase your talents, and build friendships that last a lifetime. Whether your goal is to grow personally, serve your community, or compete for the titles of Miss California and Miss America, your journey starts here.
Phases of Competition
Phases of Competition
The Miss San Diego Competition is composed of five phases:
1. Private Interview with the Selection Panel - 30%
2. Onstage Conversation - 10%
3. Performing Arts Talent/HERStory - 20%
4. Evening Gown - 20%
5. Health and Fitness - 20%
Each contestant must have a Community Service Initiative (CSI) that she will advocate during her time of service.
01
Private Interview
8 minutes, 30% of your score
Contestant interviews include 7.5 minutes for questions from the Judges followed by a 30 second closing. These are private interviews held the morning of the competition, separate from the on-stage portion of the competition. Interviews are conducted press conference style, with one designated Judge beginning with the first question. After the first question, any Judge may question the contestant. The contestant stands at a podium in front of the Judges.
02
On-Stage Questions
10% of your score
The preliminary question should be asked onstage regarding the Contestant’s Community Service Initiative (CSI), or questions involving the social impact of community service, and response(s) should not be longer than 20 seconds.
03
Health and Fitness
20% of your score
The Health and Fitness phase of competition features a chance for the contestant to show her capabilities as a brand ambassador for the organization. It is designed to showcase her personality, confidence, and physical fitness. No enhancements may be made to the fitness outfit.
04
Talent
20% of your score
Each talent performance is limited to 90 seconds, and this time limit is strictly enforced at all levels of competition. Talent is up to the choice of the contestant and can be dancing, singing, instruments, speed painting, etc! Duplication of talent acts is prohibited. The background track cannot have voices, instruments or other sounds that mimic the talent of the contestant. For example, a vocalist may have background vocals, such as oooh’s and ahhhh’s, in the harmony, but cannot have any background lyrics. This live performance rule includes dancers, instrumentalists and any other talent. For example, taps on a tap dancer’s accompaniment music are prohibited. Background music, if used by an instrumentalist, may not be of the same instrument (e.g. no violin tracks for a violinist). All props must be pre-approved.
HERStory - HERStoryTM contestants may use LED screens, video projection, voiceovers, music backtracks, props, or any other creative means to enhance their storytelling experience just like a singer would use a microphone, pianists a piano, musicians a musical instrument and so on.
05
Evening Wear
20% of your score
Judges are looking at the poise, confidence, and elegance of the contestants. The price of the gown or attire is not what is being judged but more the ability for the contestant to command the stage. While evening wear selection is up to the individual contestant, local programs are encouraged to locate resources where appropriate attire can be borrowed or rented, keeping costs as low as possible for local contestants. A titleholder’s role is attending galas, fundraisers, awards shows, and other formal events. This often involves walking a red carpet, posing for press photographers, modeling in fashion shows, and promoting various national fashion designers who partner with Miss America or Miss America’s Teen programs.