Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a beauty pageant?
No, no, and no again! The America's Junior Miss program is not a beauty pageant, or even a pageant for that matter. Our program is very different from the pageants you have seen on TV and in the movies. Physical "beauty" is not a component of the judging process. Please see our testimonials for past participants description of the program and come to an information session to find out more!
I'm I eligible to compete?
The Greater Baltimore's Junior Miss program is open to young women residing in Baltimore City and Baltimore, Harford, and Cecil Counties. Contestants must be in their Junior year in high school at the time of competition and have a minimum GPA of 3.0. If you are not yet in your junior year of high school but are interested in participating in the future, you can already sign up on www.ajm.org and you will be contacted later on. If you are not living in our region, sign up and you will be directed to the program for which you are eligible. Because orientation may take early in your junior year, we encourage you to sign up as soon as possible.
Is there a registration fee?
There is no entry fee to participate at the local, state, or national level of America's Junior Miss. AJM is a non-profit organization aimed at helping young women gain scholarships for college. All people involved with the program do so as volunteers. We strongly encourage contestants to minimize their competition expenses and use what they already have. The competition will require anything you don't already own or couldn't borrow from a friend. We will even help you find wardrobe to borrow if you need it! Some participation to aid us in our fundraising efforts (ad sales, one-liners from family/friends, baskets for raffle) is encouraged. All proceeds benefit the scholarship fund.
What are the categories of competition and how much do they count for? What are the judges looking for?
Scholastics (20%), Interview (25%), Talent (25%), Self-Expression (15%), and Fitness (15%). For a detailed description of each category, click here!
How is the fitness portion judged?
All contestants participate in a choreographed group aerobic routine (see video of national routine on video page). Contestants wear comfortable exercise clothing. Each contestant has a short individual spotlight during the routine. No previous dance experience necessary, we will teach you the routine.
What do I need to compete?
Again, we strongly encourage you to use what you have or can borrow. It is NOT necessary to spend any money on an expensive competition wardrobe as your wardrobe is not being judged! You will need an outfit for the interview segment (business casual: blouse or sweater with skirt or slacks, suit, or knee-length dress), opening introductory number (TBA), fitness routine (plain color tank top, shorts sneakers), talent (depends on your talent), and self-expression and awards (formal dress).
I want to participate! Now what?
Please register on www.ajm.org as soon as possible, even if you aren't yet in your junior year of high school. We will contact you at the email/phone you provide to confirm your eligibility to compete in the program and provide you access to online forms (paperwork) required for competition.
I have a question other than these listed.
Contact us!