Tips on How to be America's Next Top Model, from a Casting Associate

So you've seen every season of America's Next Top Model. You've practiced your strut, and you've posed in front of the mirror thousands of times. People you meet tell you you'd be perfect for the show, and you've been dying to be the next top cover girl.

I've met your type. In fact, I've met thousands of other girls just like you. Being a reality show casting associate, I've worked for some of the biggest casting producers in the business for shows like "The Bachelor", and "Beauty and the Geek." I've seen girls do practically anything to get on reality shows. It's a huge phenomenon and its taken over both television, and our nation. But doing just about anything to get on a show isn't the way to a Producers heart. Of course, being open to new experiences, adventurous and a risk taker are must have qualities; if you're in the least bit shy don't even bother applying for the show. The following tips will ensure that you've done all you can to catch a producer's attention. And of course, just like with any reality show, for your sake and the producer's, make sure you actually fit the role - don't audition just because it's your favorite show. Tyra Banks won't be at the casting, and neither will any of the previous models.

Tips for Standing Out

Hundreds, if not thousands of girls will be at the casting. So what will you do to stand out?

1) Make sure you have read all of the eligibility requirements!! This is so important and yet I can't tell you how often people don't even bother reading and end up wasting their time standing in line. You must be between the ages of 18 and 27, a U.S. citizen and at least five feet and seven inches (5'7") in height.

Here is a link to the full eligibility requirements on the official CW Network page: http://www.cwtv.com/thecw/topmodel-cycle11-Casting

2) Be prepared! If you've checked out the above link, you'll see that the page also has the official America's Next Top Model Application. There's an awful lot of questions, but if you're seriously interested in being a part of the show you'll have no problem filling it out. Most people at the casting won't have filled out the application, so that gives you a serious leg up on the competition. It'll show the Producer that you're serious about this, and that you're committed to being on the show. Not to mention it'll give you an idea of what sort of questions he/she will ask at the casting.

3) Bring lots of photos that you're confident in! A big part of the show is the weekly photo shoot, and you have to convince the Producers that you're photogenic. No one is asking for professional photos, in fact it'd probably be a bad idea to show up with some - as the eligibility requires that you're not a professional model. Attach them to your application and make it look neat.

4) Look great, show off your best assets and make sure you feel confident. You will be photographed, you will be measured against a wall with height markings. You will be competing against hundreds of beautiful women. Do whatever it takes that day to feel great about yourself and let the Producer know that you're confident and outgoing.

5) Try and make a personal connection with the Producer. The Casting Producer you meet will most likely be overworked, and far, far away from their home in LA. Making an effort to be cordial and personal with them in a tasteful and non aggressive way will make you stand out. Asking about them and their life, will in turn reflect upon you and your gregariousness and confidence. I've certainly seen it happen before - someone who barely stood out made a few remarks to the Producer, and they were added to the call back list.

6) Understand the way castings work. At the end of the day there is a quota for how many girls they want to call back. If you don't hear by the end of the casting day that you are called back, chances are you won't be. If you are called back, you'll be asked to return within a few days of the original casting in order to talk to a Producer in detail in front of a video camera. The Casting Producer will then ask you to send in a hometape (a 3 - 5 minute video you can make yourself showing your own life from your perspective: where you work, live, your friends etc.)

Be Confident and Believe in Yourself

Confidence is key. America's Next Top Model follows no mold; the girls they pick every season seem different from the last. The one thing they all share is confidence and the desire to make it. Much like anything, if you believe in yourself and do all you can to get a spot on the show, you'll have a great chance in doing so. That is by far the most important factor in the casting process.

For casting dates, check the CW website regularly, as most definitely the Casting Producers will be coming to a major city near you sometime very soon!