Ruby is runway-ready

Miss Schofield will compete against 30 other hopefuls next month for the chance to represent Australia at the international Miss Universe competition.

The 20-year-old will have to model evening wear, swimwear and grilled in a question and answer session as part of the National Round. The main event will be held on Friday, June 5 at the Sofitel in Melbourne.

"I'm very nervous but I've been exercising everyday, eating well and keeping up with current affairs," she said.

"I think the biggest difference for me this year is my confidence. I wasn't as confident last year. I think if you know yourself, what you are and what you can bring, that really helps."

Miss Schofield said she would love to take the title, which has previously gone to Jennifer Hawkins and Jesinta Campbell, but failing that she would be happy with a place in the top 10.

"It's very daunting when you look at the other girls who are your competition," she said. "But it's not as catty as people would expect. We go to lunch and on walks together all the time."

Miss Schofield said she was initially reluctant about entering the competition for the second time however it was an opportunity she couldn't refuse. She came eighth in the New South Wales round, narrowly missing out on the chance to proceed to Nationals.

"I was invited to enter again this year and I was apprehensive because I didn't do as well as I would've liked last year. I thought about it again and I thought 'why not?'," she said.

"I would eventually like to work in the media and with the exposure and public speaking skills [in the competition] I thought it wouldn't hurt."

Miss Schofield has enrolled to study Media and Communications at UNSW and was recently signed to modelling agency, Scoop Model Management.

"It's very exciting," she said. "I want to set a good example for other girls out there that you can be fit and healthy...you don't have to be this skinny, skinny model."