There's no need to cram for the audition - you've already passed the online exam, and even though you have to take another one at the audition, most people agree it's easier in-person (I auditioned 3 times & that was my experience too.) Focus on your personality and your stories. Have something interesting to tell them you'll do with your massive winnings. Have a short autobiography prepared. (2-3 sentences) That's really all you need in advance.gloriaclemente wrote:Hah! After I got "the call" my brother helped me memorize the wives of Henry VIII, and it turned out to be very, uh, helpful. I asked everyone I know to tell me about the things they knew best. My mom helped with music, my husband read me a poem a night (nice!) etc. If nothing else, it was a fun way to involve my friends and family.dhkendall wrote:
Easy, don't cram. Jeopardy! is a test of the knowledge you have. If you haven't memorized, say, the wives of Henry VIII by now, your retention of them for the test, and for The Show, will be negligible.
I wouldn't think of it as "cramming" for the audition, I don't think that makes much difference, they are looking at your personality and how you play the game. But since you have an audition, I would think of it as studying for your eventual (we hope) appearance on the show itself. I was so sure I wouldn't be chosen after my audition that I didn't bother to study at all afterwards, until I got the call. Then I wished I could've had those 5 months back to study more!
But it's never too soon to study (not cram) for your actual appearance. I think it makes sense to fill in gaps of things you already know. Like if you know most of the presidents in order, make sure you fill in what you lack. Also when learning new things, try to attach them to things you know well.
If you haven't already, I'd read Prisoner of Trebekistan - partly because it's a fun read & Bob Harris is a nice guy, but mostly because there's a lot of tips on how to memorize stuff and also how the whole Jeopardy! experience works.
Also, just pay attention to the world around you. Likely anyone who's qualified for an audition, or even seriously trying to, does this already. Just do it more. Pay attention to musical genres you don't particularly care for. Read the book reviews in the paper if you don't already. Watch awards shows, sports championships, etc. (well at least the summaries.) Treat every fact you come across as useful information. (But don't go crazy with this - I actually found myself terribly relieved shortly after my taping was finished because I realized I don't have to pay attention to EVERYTHING anymore - only what I feel like. This was an unfamiliar feeling after a decade of trying out.)