Applying to become a contestant on Jeopardy is effortless. Wishful applicants may simply visit the Jeopardy official website and fill out a registration form. Receiving an invitation to interview for the game show is the tricky part. There is no guaranteed equation for being invited to tryout for Jeopardy. Those who hope to become contestants may register once a year, and religiously check their email box for that coveted, once-in-a-lifetime invitation. Many hopefuls think that registering multiple times in a year will increase their chances of being selected; however, this cancels out the registration and their names are removed from the roster.

Jeopardy Audition

Auditions for Jeopardy take place in Los Angeles. Those interested in trying out for the game show must arrange their own transportation and accommodations. Contestants who live outside the Los Angeles area may take advantage of yearly games hosted in other U.S cities. These locations may be closer to their hometown, thus they will not have to incur huge travel expenses to try out for the show. Contestants that live in the Los Angeles area may contact the studio directly to schedule an interview. Interviews are held year round; however, the studio may schedule an interview months in advance.

50 Question Test

The initial try out for Jeopardy involves successfully completing a 50 question test. Only those who pass the test move onto the next round. Jeopardy does not provide a study guide for contestants. Yet, contestants may increase their odds of passing the test by diligently studying fact books. There are a million categories on Jeopardy, and no way to determine which subject the test will encompass. Serious Jeopardy contestants dream of being on the game show years before they receive an invitation. They realize that they are only given one chance to impress the panel. Therefore they read and absorb anything they can get their hands on. The more knowledge they have locked in their heads, the better their odds of making it on the show.

Mock Game

Contestants who successfully pass the 50 question test are invited to play a mock game of Jeopardy. This game is videotaped and equipped with buzzers. Mock games are also the producer's way of analyzing potential contestants. They are looking for individuals who are knowledgeable and can follow rules. Rules include buzzing, and being called on as opposed to shouting out answers. Additionally, producers want contestants who are familiar with the game show. All players should know how to properly answer in the form of a question. Being enthusiastic and allowing your personally to shine leaves a memorable impression on the judges mind. It would be nice if the judges informed contestants about whether they will become contestants at the audition. Unfortunately, those who try out for the game show are sent home to wait for a call back that may, or may not happen.

Becoming a Contestant

It may be a year before a qualified contestant is invited to tape a live show of Jeopardy. The show only tapes from September to March, thus many audition during the summer months to allow more opportunities to become a contestant. Jeopardy will notify contestants who did not pass the audition test. Nonetheless, they may reapply in six month. Jeopardy will not accept applicant who have appeared on another game show within the last year, or those who have appeared on two game shows within the last five years.

Preparing for Jeopardy

Being notified that you have been chosen as a contestant for a live taping can be an exciting, and terrifying feeling. Now comes the hard part – winning on Jeopardy. Winning on Jeopardy is as hard as getting accepted to play the game. The time from receiving a call back to the actual taping could be weeks, thus contestants have plenty of time to prepare for the game show. Contestants must become trivia addicts. Study the show. Watching every episode of Jeopardy is perfect for honing trivia skills. Play along with other contestants and keep track of how many questions you answer correctly. Studying statistics, facts, history, geography, literature, and religion will increase your odds of winning. In addition, Jeopardy is famous for categories pertaining to people; thus contestants should familiarize themselves with presidents, world leaders, artists, composers, and so forth. Some contestants have found success playing the board game and online version of Jeopardy.

Winning Techniques

There is no miracle strategy for Jeopardy. Either you know the answer, or you don't. However, some contestants have employed specific techniques that have proved success. For example, if a contestant is highly knowledgeable in a specific category, they may buzz before the question is completed. Buzzing is an art. When all three contestants buzz at the same time, a second makes the world of difference. Buzzing early will put you ahead, and may help you score additional points. Contestants torn between two possibilities may allow another contestant to take the first stab at the answer. This way, if they get the answer wrong, the next contestant can buzz in behind them and score the points. Another technique to playing Jeopardy is wagering modestly. Some contestants become too confident and bet all their money. In turn, they lose all their earnings because they gave the wrong answer. Contestants should bet enough money to place them ahead of the competition. However, taking risky chances can result in a negative score. Contestants who score below zero cannot compete in final Jeopardy. The problem lies when contestants get greedy and want to win the game with a huge lead.

Outcome

Jeopardy does not cover the expense of contestants. Sadly, many who are invited to appear on a live taping are unable to attend because they cannot afford airfare or accommodations. Many contestants take a chance hoping that they will win big to cover their travel expenses. Aside from prize money, Jeopardy awards two prizes of $1000 and $2000 to the second and third place winner. Contestants may not win prize money in the tens of thousands, or return as a champion. Nonetheless, they beat the odds and lived their dream of becoming a Jeopardy contestant.