The Real Deal on Being a JeopardyContestant

So You Think That You Want To Be a Jeopardy Contestant?

Faithful viewers have tuned their television sets since 1964 to hear Alex Trebek say "This is Jeopardy", and most of those viewers have wished that they could personally participate in the popular gameshow. So you think that you want to be a Jeopardy contestant? Fine, but you had better come prepared for the testing process with your thinking cap firmly in place as becoming a contestant is not an easy ordeal. The test requires that you answer fifty questions in approximately 10 minutes, and if you respond incorrectly before the time runs out on the clock, which is a generous 15 seconds per question, you cannot go back and answer again. While it isn’t necessary to be a genius to be a success at Jeopardy, it definitely does help to have some knowledge of several categories. The testing process is only the half of it, you still may or may not make it to the mock Jeopardy round which further tests your game playing skills, nope, it is at this point that your name is put into a pool, but only after you have successfully completed your testing phase.

Jeopardy Isn't Easy

Jeopardy is one of the hardest game shows on the air, and getting a future spot on it may prove to be just as competitive as the game itself. The producers of Jeopardy in no way guarantee that you will be a contestant on a future show even if you pass the initial testing phase, followed by a successful round of the short version of Jeopardy. Prospective contestants are videotaped through the beginning processes, and the producers keep an active file and call candidates as they are needed for the show. Personality is key when it comes to their selections, and you are given a personality test after you have completed the first two phases of testing. The producers want to be sure that contestants can handle specific skills and behaviors without falling apart, and they seek personalities that will stand out on the show.

Where Does Jeopardy Find Their Tough Questions?