Q. People are always telling me I should model. How can I be really sure if I have what it takes? M.J., Baton Rouge, LA

A. The only way to be sure is to ask a professional agency. As a guideline though, females aspiring to be runway or fashion print models should be at least 5'8" tall and have a well proportioned figure with long, shapely legs. Males should be between 5' 11" and 6' 2" tall with a medium athletic build. As far as facial features are concerned, there is no set "look." Although client's wishes differ considerably, good teeth, healthy skin and hair are standard requirements.

Q. Modeling has been my dream for years, and I want to find the best agency that will help make my dream come true! I have read many stories about people who have been "ripped off" by disreputable companies. How do I tell who is the most reputable and best company for me? Tucson, AZ

A. You have several ways to check the status and credibility of any agency. Call local department stores, advertising agencies, the Better Business Bureau, and even well-known agencies on the East and West coasts. See if they work with or have information about a particular agency. Find out how many years the company has been in business with the same owner. Always check with the State Licensing Board to see if a modeling school or agency is certified and regulated by the state. Also, be careful and leery of any company that guarantees you a job! No agency in the United States can honestly say that, and it is the "red flag" that you are dealing with an unreputable company. Good luck and be careful!

Q. What type of international agent exposure could a model expect within your agency? Chicago, IL

A. The Page Parkes Corporation is known worldwide for their development of models. An International Agent Review is held every spring and offered exclusively to Page Parkes models and graduates. Prestigious agents from New York, Miami, Dallas, Paris, Milan, Japan, San Francisco, Atlanta, Chicago and LA are invited to scout for hot new talent. The purpose of the Page Parkes International Agent Review is to open doors for our models that were not there before, by bringing the agents directly to them. During the two day event, our models and graduates meet with and learn from many of the industry's top professionals ... agents, models, actors, and photographers. This is an incredible opportunity to meet some of the best agencies in the world!

Q. If I have so much potential, why would I need to pay for training? M.B., Seattle, WA

A. Being pretty is not the entire reason a model gets a booking. You must be good at what you do. How would you feel going to an audition for a shoot or runway tryout against models who have great experience in our industry? It's extremely important to send a model with experience to demand a new face model rate.

Q. I've been told I have the figure and features to model, but I am only 5' 5" tall. Is there any hope for me? G.S., Little Rock, AR

A. Don't give up! For females of your height with the right look, work is available in commercial print, acting, petite runway and petite fashion print. Males below height requirements can also find work in commercial print and acting. Of course, many attractive males and females who are below height requirements don't aspire for a career in modeling opt to enroll in a self-improvement course and comprehensive training in hair, makeup (for females) & styling techniques allows people of all shapes & sizes to look their best. Training in goal setting, positive imagery and the psychology of success enhance personal confidence, making the self improvement program immensely valuable.