Following an interview challenge with judge Nigel Barker and Wilhelmina Models' President Sean Patterson, Rachel Echelberger, 18, from Woodland, CA, was told that she didn't have enough personality for the agency, and was immediately sent packing.

As for 22-year-old Courtney Davies, who came into the competition with a broken foot, was unable to "smize" on command (that's Tyra-ese for "Smile with your eyes") for her final shoot, and was the next girl eliminated.

This season of "America's Next Top Model" is being referred to as "Le Cycle 13," featuring petit models who must be 5'7 or under.

CTV.ca talked to the two eliminated girls about their exits from the show. First up, Rachel!

 What was first going through your mind when you were eliminated?

It's a shock but now I've had time to turn all the negatives into positives. Before Nigel called my name, there was so much tension among the girls, it was so unexpected -- it was crazy. I thought my interview was good, except for the "singing a song" part. But just because I'm not right for them doesn't mean I'm not right for someone else.

What experience on the show did you enjoy the most?

Everything! But the biggest rush I got was when we were in semi-finals and Tyra called out my name. For her to see something in me, that was a great feeling. I just went there to grow and model and take everything they gave me, and run with it and work with it and learn from it. It was definitely an experience, and it was definitely fun.

Who was your closest friend in the competition? Who was your biggest enemy?

I got really close with Laura, Sundai and Lisa. I didn't have any enemies, but I don't know how the other girls felt about me. Everyone seemed to be really nice. While I was there it was pretty chill.

What was your reaction from friends and family when they watched you on the show?

They were ecstatic. Everyone came over to my house and watched the show. My mom was so proud. I got so many text messages the next day! It was very funny to see how people reacted and what they thought about it.

Are you still going to try and be a model?

This is what I want to do with the rest of my life. It's the feeling I get when I'm in front of the camera; I love it, and I want to do that for the rest of my life. I'm planning on moving to Los Angeles in October, I believe. My goal is New York.

What advice would you give to people who want to model?

No matter how big or thin or tall or short, no matter what, just go out and try and be ready for rejection. Just be yourself.

What was your impression of our "Canada's Next Top Model" host Jay Manuel?

He looks like a Ken doll, oh my gosh! He was a really nice person, and looks as perfect in person as he does on TV. His skin, his hair, everything.

If you could, would you rather be tall?

I always wanted to trade my legs for just a couple more inches. I am happy with my size, it just means I have more of a battle in front of me. I don't know why short girls aren't accepted as much. I wouldn't change myself for the world, but if you asked me before, I would have said yes.

• And now for Courtney:

What was going through your head when you were about to be eliminated?

I expected it. I knew what was being said during panel, and I knew then and there that I gave up, and I was headed home. I was prepared mentally to go home after that. I took it pretty well. I'm not upset about it. They eliminated me for a reason and I agree with that reason. But I don't think my picture was the worst, by any means.

Of all the girls, who were you closest with on the show?

Lulu, she was closest to me in the house. I'm always going to keep in touch with her.

Are you going to continue on your modeling career?

Oh definitely, I was modeling before I did the show. Now I'm back with my agency, and with the fall season I hope to land some good jobs, and I'm planning on going out to LA in December, and we'll see what happens.

What advice would you give young girls who want to get into modeling?

The best advice I could give, is that a good way to start is to just take a Polaroid of yourself, because nowadays, casting-wise, when you go to an agency, that's what they want. They don't even need to see professional pictures anymore. You don't need to spend money to get them done, just have your mom or your sister take a photo of you, and send them out to agencies, or go to local agencies and drop them off in person. You don't have to go to the big ones. It's as easy as that.

In Canada, Jay Manuel hosts "Canada's Next Top Model." What was your impression of him while on the show?

He definitely knows what he's talking about. I always took his advice, for sure. He helps us at the photo-shoots, and he knows what he wants out of it. I enjoyed learning from him.

What about Tyra?

Tyra is awesome. You totally see a different side of her when you do the show, instead of just watching it. She's an icon.

Do you ever find her weirdness unnerving sometimes?

I think it's all her - she's really quirky. I think she loves doing those kinds of things.

Was it weird watching yourself on television?

When me and my family and my girlfriends were watching it, what they said, is "wow, this is really you." I wasn't holding back, I was true to myself, and I was funny. I had good comedic timing! The way they edited me, I thought it was great. I've been really pleased.