Corrie Hayes is the first representative from Iowa to win the national Miss Teen of America title and at at the age of 17! If you’re not familiar with The Miss Teen of America Scholarship and Recognition Pageant it’s like no other pageant out there. This system prides itself on recognizing the academic and leadership accomplishments of young women across America. The Miss Teen of America Pageant is not a beauty pageant and here to tell us how you can become the next Miss Teen of America and what’s different about the system is Corrie Hayes. Below are the questions that we asked Corrie during the interview: Tell us what makes Miss Teen of America different from other pageants? Interview Miss Teen of America has six distinct categories of judging.  The area the holds the most weight is interview (25%). What types of questions are asked? The judges are looking for the overall ability in human relations. What is the best way to express that to the judges? What else are the judges looking for during interview? How did you prepare for interview? Knowing what you know now, would you change how prepared for interview? If so what would you do differently? Scholastic Achievement 15% of your score comes from scholastic achievement. What is taken into consideration and what should be highlighted to the judges? Service & Achievement Another 15% of your score comes from service and achievement to your school and community. How is your service and achievement presented to the judges (resume)? What types of involvement and contributions should be listed if the contestant wants to wow the judges? Personal Development Personal development (15%) is also taken into consideration by the judges. What information should be given to the judges? What is the best way to convey that you are a well-rounded individual? Written Test At the pageant, each candidate is also given a written test (15%) designed to measure her awareness of the world around her. What types of questions can be asked on the test? Is this a long test? How many questions are there? Is there a way to prepare for this test? Evening Wear The last portion of judging is personality, projection and poise in evening wear (15%). What is the best way to express your personality, poise and naturalness on stage? The judges are also looking for a positive teen image. How does one reflect that in evening gown? Advice What is the best advice you can give girls hoping to become the next Miss Teen of America? What type of girl is the Miss Teen of America system looking for to represent their system (ages, qualities, etc.)?