Contestants in the Miss District of Columbia Competition compete in these areas:

Private Interview - 30%

​Each contestant participates in an individual 10-minute press conference-style interview with our panel of judges. There are 5 to 7 judges on a panel. Contestants  are questioned on their background as presented on their resume, their educational and career goals, their opinions on current events and social issues, and their interests, hobbies and extracurricular activities, including their Social Impact Initiative. Scoring is based on overall communication skills, including personality, intelligence, validated opinions, emotional control, overall first impression, and whether the contestant possesses the overall qualities and attributes of a Miss District of Columbia/Miss America.

On Stage Conversation - 10%

Each contestant will be asked a question on-stage before an audience during the pageant finals. Questions will be different for each contestant and will not necessarily be related to her platform or fact sheet. Questions will be determined by the Miss District of Columbia Board to be of relatively equal degree of difficulty. As with the private interview, scoring is based on overall communication skills, including personality, intelligence, validated opinions, emotional control, overall first impression, and whether the contestant possesses the overall qualities and attributes of a Miss District of Columbia/Miss America.

Talent/HERstory - 20%

Contestants perform a 90-second routine of their own choosing. Some possible talents include all types of singing, dancing, gymnastics, instrumental music, dramatic or comedy monologues, spoken word, baton twirling and ventriloquism. Other talents, however unconventional, that can be performed solo on stage are also possible. A contestant may also perform HERstory, which speaks to some aspect of her life. Dancers are permitted to have a dance partner with them on stage. E-mail us if you have a question about your talent presentation. Scoring is based on contestant’s skill and personality, interpretive ability, technical skill level, stage presence and the totality of all elements, including costume, props, voice, use of body and choreography.

Health & Fitness​ - 20%

Contestants will dress in athletic wear and demonstrate that they are physically fit, healthy and full of life. Scoring will be based on overall fitness, stage presence, personality and wellness. 

Evening Gown​ - 20%

Contestants will present themselves in evening wear, which could be a gown or something a young woman might wear for a formal evening event. Judges do not judge the contestant's attire, but rather her walk, personality, poise, personal style and fashion sense. 

*Areas of competition and percentages are subject to change by the Miss America Opportunities.

Banner Photo by Andy Jones.