Yes, try to get on to the teen tournament if you can! I was so upset that I missed out on both the teen and college tournaments and now have to compete with 60 year olds who have had more education and life experience…oh well 🙁
I used to watch the show “religiously” (I don’t mean this literally, so please don’t take offense) and I saw many contestants of different body types, etc. competing. They definitely pick contestants based on personality and if you don’t come across as “likable” they won’t pick you even if you’re a genius, but I don’t think looks are taken into account.
Hatzlacha! Let us know if you get on 🙂