How to Choose Your Title for International Junior Miss (And Why There’s No “Magic Sash”)

Every year before Internationals, the same whispers start making the rounds:

• “You should switch titles.”

• “It’s easier if you choose a heritage title.”

• “Certain countries win more.”

• “If you want to place, wear this sash.”

Let’s set the record straight: At IJM, there is no system to game.

There’s no shortcut, no strategy, no “sash factor.” You don’t need to change titles to improve your chances. You don’t need to come from a certain region or fit a specific mold.

We’re a Global Event --- And We Bring the World to You

IJM is truly an international competition. We bring in judges from across the United States and from countries around the world. They come with different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences... and they also bring an appreciation for different modeling styles, wardrobe choices, and presentation approaches.

That’s not by accident. We do this to honor the diversity of our contestants and the cultures they represent. A style that’s popular in one region might be brand-new to another judge, and that’s part of the magic of a truly international event.

How We Vet Our Judges

Diversity of perspective is important, but so is neutrality. That’s why our judge vetting process is always evolving. This season, we will look extra closely at each judge’s recent experience, specifically, what other systems they have judged in the past season. We will avoid selecting anyone who is judging a major national or international event in 2025. This helps prevent conflicts of interest and ensures their focus is fully on our contestants at our event.

Sometimes people assume the “best” judges are current or former top titleholders in other systems. While those experiences can be valuable, they can also create challenges: connections within the industry, contestants, other judges, and families can make neutrality tricky. That’s why we seek out judges who are not only aware of pageantry, but also have strong real-world backgrounds: professionals who can accurately assess the leadership, communication, and ambassador qualities we’re looking for in an IJM titleholder.

Sure, having a Miss USA on the panel might sound exciting... but if her existing network creates even the perception of bias, it’s not worth the risk.

What We’re Actually Looking For

When our judges evaluate contestants, they’re trained using the same guidebook and guidelines posted on our website. That means they are asked to look for:

• A girl who knows IJM and knows herself

• Someone real, kind, and confident

• A brand ambassador who’s authentic and a joy to travel with

• A strong and captivating stage presence

Every contestant is evaluated for who she is - not what’s printed on her sash, not what rumors say, and definitely not based on pageant “hacks.”

The “We Have to Crown X” Myth

This one is worth saying loudly: There is no quota for where our winners come from.

If the judges choose all Miss Alabama or all Miss Canada or all Miss England... then that’s who wins. It’s that simple. We don’t balance titles for the sake of optics. We honor the scores and the results our judges deliver.

So How Do You Choose Your Title?

The best title is the one that fits your journey. At IJM, you have several ways to represent yourself on the International stage:

• You can represent your state or province

• You can represent a region within your state or country

• You can select a state nickname title

• You can represent your home country (outside the U.S.)

• You can choose a heritage title that reflects your authentic cultural background

  
  

Your sash is part of your story, but make sure it is you who is writing the chapters. Not your coach, not the rumor mill, not “pageant lore."

Okay but... be real. Does a “Miss Country” Title Give You a Better Chance Than a State or Nickname Title?

Absolutely not. We promise... it truly doesn’t matter. One unique opportunity at IJM is the ability to represent your heritage on the International stage. A heritage title can be a wonderful way to honor your background, especially if you have a strong, authentic connection to the country you represent. This could mean you were born there, hold dual citizenship, speak the language, have immigrated from there, or maintain close cultural and familial ties. We love seeing contestants proudly share their heritage and bring that culture into their IJM experience. That said, we encourage delegates to only choose heritage titles when they truly reflect their story, not just a loose or distant connection. A heritage title is most powerful when it’s personal, genuine, and meaningful to you.

Your success isn’t determined by what’s printed on your sash, but by how you present yourself, connect with the judges, and embody the qualities of an IJM titleholder. A perfect example is our reigning IJM International Miss 2024–2025, Annsley, who represented her home state’s nickname title as IJM Palmetto State Miss. She didn’t need a “Miss Country” title to stand out. She needed authenticity, poise, and the confidence to bring her best self to the stage. That’s what matters here.

Ultimately, you should choose the title that makes sense for your path to Internationals, then focus your energy on preparation, presentation, and bringing your authentic self to the stage.

Because if there is a “trick” to winning IJM.... it’s simply being you.