Project your own personal sense of style in the Fashion Show optional competition. Model your favorite fun fashion wear. Choose a cocktail dress, stylish high-low, fashionable romper, pants wear or gown. Your look should be fun and high-fashion attire. Judging will be based on stage presentation, confidence, and stylish choice of attire.

Judges will be looking for a captivating photo. Headshot photo submissions may be in black/white or color (8x10, no larger); and does not include crowns and/or sashes in photos. 

Step into the spotlight and showcase your confidence in the Cover Model Competition. Participants will submit a professional-quality full body photo that reflects their personality, presence, and marketability as a potential magazine cover model. Photos may be submitted in color or black and white and should not include a crown or sash. Judging will be based on photo quality, facial expression, confidence, personality, and overall cover appeal. The winning participant will be featured on a special digital cover of Emerald Magazine or another official Miss Collegiate USA publication.

Use your voice to inform, inspire, and make an impact in the Speech Competition. Participants will present an original speech on a topic connected to leadership, education, community service, personal growth, or the Miss Collegiate USA “More Than a Crown” campaign. Judging will be based on content, organization, confidence, audience engagement, and overall delivery. Speech length would be 2 to 3 minutes maximum.

Project your sense of style in the new Denim Style optional competition by modeling your favorite denim wear. Your look should be fun and fashion-forward. Select a denim-themed outfit: a stylish high-low, fashionable romper, pants, dress, or gown with any washed denim material. Judging will be based on stage presentation, confidence, and stylish choice of denim attire. Rhinestones and sequins are welcome.

This competition is designed for participants who aspire to be a public influencer or perhaps a news anchor to make an impact highlighting her personality. Pitch your personal style by making a video reciting a 60-second clip promoting the MCU Pageant System. Judging will be based on uniqueness, personality and delivery of video clip. The winner will be highlighted on Miss Collegiate USA social media and website.

Showcase your creativity, personality, and acting ability in the Actress Competition. Participants will perform a prepared commercial, monologue, or scene selected from the official competition materials and be limited to 45 seconds. Performances should demonstrate the participant's ability to connect with an audience and confidently bring the material to life. Judging will be based on characterization, expression, stage presence, creativity, and overall delivery. 

The delegate with the highest achievements in academics will win the MCU Academic Achievement Award. An academic transcript from a participant’s current or former higher education of learning (junior high, high school or college; undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate level) must be submitted.

This optional competition is designed for delegates who  enjoy content creation through social media and engages audiences with images and reels that builds awareness of the Miss Collegiate USA Organization. 

This is an award determined by the MCU sisterhood. The delegate who exemplifies the friendliest, congenial and  outgoing personality will be awarded the MCU Sorority Award from their peers.

This optional competition allows the community to vote for their fan favorite! Be sure to invite your friends, family, school, college/university and supporters to Vote for You to win the people's choice with the Miss Collegiate USA University's  Choice Award. 

The highest number of votes from the internet’s University Choice Award contest will be selected as the award winner and will receive a cash scholarship of 50% of the proceeds received.

This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities in every corner of the nation and inspires those around them to take action. Recipients of this honor will receive the official President’s Volunteer Service Award pin, coin, or medallion and a personalized certificate of achievement and letter signed by the U.S. President.