The fact that a casting call for âÄúAmericaâÄôs Next Top ModelâÄù in March left six New Yorkers injured is evidence that the show can produce almost as much fervor in aspiring âÄúTyrasâÄù as Walmart produces in shoppers on Black Friday. Despite possible impending danger, hundreds of local ladies lined up outside Seven Sushi Bar on Saturday (in possible hope of said cat fights, several men on break from army training gathered there as well). It could have been the sunny weather or simply the phenomenon of Minnesota Nice, but the lines of platform shoe-sporting women were nothing, if not serene. To try out, participants must bear their deepest psyches in the form of an 11-page application that asks prodding questions such as, âÄúHow do you act when you get drunk?âÄù and âÄúHave you ever been arrested? If so, tell us about it.âÄù While the application frequently reminds readers that all sizes are accepted, it doesnâÄôt need to point out that signs of borderline personality disorder are more of a yay than a nay on the series. Other paperwork to be dealt with pre-tryout is an eligibility form that makes aspiring contestants aware that they must be willing to get naked for shoots and live with âÄúapproximately 9 to 14 other female strangers, where you will have little or no privacy.âÄù Thus, the recipe for good TV is made. Tyra and her panel of fierce, modeling-related, B-list celebs were not there for the first round, instead leaving the initial task to two men âÄî one with a camera and one instructing each participant to state her name, city, phone number and, of course, demonstrate her catwalk. A&E chatted with three aspiring models from the University to see what the attack of the Gophers on âÄúANTMâÄù might look like. Lauren Bowe Education: Sophomore professional writing major at UMD Opinion of the show: To be honest, I donâÄôt really watch it that much. Planned action upon meeting Tyra: Cry! Just kidding. IâÄôd probably accidentally say something dumb. Fashion philosophy: IâÄôm really into fashion. I like American Apparel and fashion that keeps it simple. I make my own jewelry. Ideal international destination for the seasonal âÄúTop ModelâÄù trip: Italy, so I can be cliché and take pictures with all the Roman stuff. Samantha Nelson Education: Incoming first-year marketing student. Favorite âÄúTop ModelâÄù contestant of the past: Joanie, the one who got her teeth done. Favorite designer: Betsey Johnson âÄî sheâÄôs fun and girly. Source of fashion inspiration: Celebrities like Blake Lively and magazines like InStyle and Seventeen. Best âÄúTop ModelâÄù judge: Miss J. ThereâÄôs just something about him, heâÄôs really fun. Mackenzie Kauffman Education: Sophomore with undecided major âÄî most likely either advertising or PR. Opinion on the show: IâÄôm a fan, but I donâÄôt watch religiously. Favorite âÄúTop ModelâÄù contestant: Jaslene. Fashion philosophy: I like shopping. Chanel is a good designer, but I donâÄôt have enough money for things like that. Ideal international destination for the seasonal âÄúTop ModelâÄù trip: Paris. IâÄôm in French, and I could practice. Photo shoot idea: Something classy, simple and minimalistic.
Twin Cities models try to be ‘on top’
A&E hit the ‘Top Model’ tryouts to check out the nerves, the platform shoes and the potential stars
![Samantha Nelson, incoming first-year marketing student](https://mndaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/0714p1topmodel.jpg)
Image by Jules Ameel
Samantha Nelson, incoming first-year marketing student
Published July 14, 2009
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