The 20-year-old dancer will compete in the NSW Miss Universe pageant later this month.

It is the final stepping stone to the Miss Australia pageant.

The NSW pageant will only be Ms Patton's second competition, and she's taking it one pageant at a time.

"If I get through the next heat that's great, and I'll work even harder to win the competition, but at this stage I'm just working towards getting though this heat," Ms Patton said.

"I thought it would be a good opportunity to broaden my horizons and just to make it this far is so exciting.

"Doing it opens up a lot of windows and gives you a platform to stand on, especially things I would like to support later."

The pageant has swimwear, nightgown and questions-and-answer sections.

"You've got to let the judges see your personality - not just the personality they see when you walk, but when you talk as well," she said.

Ms Patton said the most challenging part of the experience had been not judging herself too harshly.

"There's judges there for a reason. If you're judging yourself you are going to be more nervous, and your walking and talking will be off," she said.