Every model has at some point considered participating in a model competition. It's fun, you gain experience as a model, and who knows, it might be your big break!

But with the multitude of competitions out there, it's not always easy to decide which ones are worth your time and which ones to avoid. To bring clarity, here are a few things you should know about model competitions:

Are small, local modeling competitions worth your time?
Yes! While you may not win a contract with a major agency or become the face of a big brand, participating in a modeling competition at your local mall or department store can be a worthwhile experience. It's an easy way to get a glimpse into the world of modeling and find out if it's the right fit for you. And even if you don't win, the experience will help boost your confidence, teach you how to deal with competition (and possible rejection), and could even lead to other modeling opportunities. And if you do win? Great! That "small" model competition could be the first step toward a successful modeling career.

What is the biggest and best competition in the modeling industry?
A quick Google search for "model competitions" yields thousands of results. It can be confusing to figure out which competitions are legitimate and worth your time. Here's one you definitely should consider:

Elite Model Look: What do Cindy Crawford, Gisele Bündchen, and Stephanie Seymour have in common? They were all discovered through the Elite Model Look competition! It goes without saying that this international competition is the most prestigious in the industry and has fast-tracked the careers of these top models (and many others). Elite holds national competitions in over 60 countries, with the winners participating in the World Final. The top 15 models all receive a worldwide contract with Elite Model Management, and the top 3 also receive cash prizes.

To participate, you need to be female, at least 1.70 meters tall, and at least 18 years old (or have your parents/guardians' permission if you're under 18).

How do I know if a model competition is legitimate or not?
Unfortunately, the modeling industry is not immune to scams. There are people looking to take advantage of aspiring models, and you need to do your homework before entering a competition. Research the competition online as thoroughly as possible (who founded it, how long it has been around, where previous winners are today, and whether there are complaints about it), and don't hesitate to call a local modeling agency to ask if they've heard of it. If something seems suspicious, it probably is.

If the competition is organized by a reputable agency or brand or is promoted by a major magazine or celebrity, chances are it's legitimate. Also, be cautious of competitions that:

Are pushed on you by a modeling agency. Legitimate modeling agencies are selective and make their money from commissions, not by pushing aspiring models to enter their competition (often associated with a high entry fee).
Charge a high entry fee but offer small prizes that won't impact your future modeling career.
Force you to pose in ways that make you uncomfortable.

Can I participate in a model competition if I'm under contract with an agency?
Maybe, maybe not. It depends on your modeling contract. Some agency contracts explicitly state that their models can only participate in competitions with written approval from the agency. So, read your contract carefully before signing up for a competition, and if in doubt, give your agent a call!

Is there anything else I can do to increase my chances of becoming a model?
While model competitions can be a great way to get noticed, they don't happen every day (that would be exhausting). In the time between competitions, it's a good idea to find other ways to make yourself stand out, such as submitting your photos to a reputable modeling agency. While you're busy with competitions and honing your skills, your photos will be reviewed by top managers, agents, scouts, and industry experts. The more you explore the various entry points into the modeling industry, the more doors you can open!