Amanda Prusila*, a graduate of Carleton University’s journalism program, competed on Jeopardy! on Oct. 7, which just so happened to be her birthday.
Prusila finished 3rd, and although she isn’t planning on participating in any spin-offs, she is relishing in her local fame.
She completed her undergrad with a double major in journalism and French, with a minor in film studies. Prusila later returned to Carleton for a masters in film studies.
Facing a variety of categories such as cooking, opera, novels, foreign film directors, NFL addresses, brand names and more, Pursila applied her studies at Carleton to the game.
The Charlatan sat down with Prusila to discuss her time on the show, learning the ins and outs of all things Jeopardy!
The Charlatan (TC): What inspired you to compete on the show?
Amanda Prusila (AP): It was a spur-of-the-moment thing to apply. Jeopardy! had started an online test; 50 questions you’d see on the show with 10 seconds to type your answer. It was so simple to take that first step.
We watched it a little while growing up, but it wasn’t until I was grown up with my boyfriend that we got into watching it very intensely. I’ve always loved trivia and weird knowledge.
TC: What did the application process look like?
AP: It started in November 2021, when I did the online self-administered test. If you do well enough, they invite you to do the same test but over Zoom. Similar questions, but they want to ensure you’re not cheating. The third stage is another Zoom interview with producers; answering questions about your personality and why you want to be on the show. This stage had another similar test, but up against other contestant-hopefuls.
Between all of these steps, you have one year to hear back from Jeopardy!, or 18 months in the final stage. But, because of the writer’s strike, the final deadline had been pushed to two years. I had already restarted the application process when I surprisingly got the call I’d be on the show.
TC: What kind of preparation did you do?
AP: It’s completely dynamic being on stage, so I tried not to put a lot of pressure on myself. My boyfriend quizzed me with flashcards leading up to the taping, which was good for getting my knowledge up to date.
TC: What qualities made you a good candidate for the show?
AP: Having a wide breadth of knowledge and being able to quickly read and interpret the clues, as sometimes they have hints. Being able to quickly come up with an answer on the spot is valuable. Also, not being camera shy.
TC: Did your studies at Carleton help to prepare?
AP: It’s that never-ending interest in learning more, especially doing journalism, which aligns well with being on Jeopardy!.
Also, being able to quickly analyze and understand texts.
The second part of my combined major, French, was useful. It helps with Latin root words and making guesses on words in Spanish or Italian.
Of course, the film studies was very helpful as there was a category on film.
TC: Did you employ any strategies while competing?
AP: I watch the show at home thinking, “I really like that category, I’d go with that one,” but being on the spot I just blurted out something. I wasn’t thinking strategically in that sense. But, I definitely wanted to stick towards the bottom of the board, where the Daily Doubles are.
TC: Walk me through the behind-the-scenes of being on the Jeopardy! set.
AP: We started at 7:30 a.m. I went through wardrobe, hair and makeup. They say to come “stage ready,” but there was a whole makeup team with every product under the sun.
I met the competitors, who were surprisingly very nice and nerdy.
Then we did a rehearsal, which was just playing the game. We tested the buzzer, tested the timers, and got a sense for the flow of the game.
Next, showtime. It’s 20 minutes of actual film, but during commercial breaks we’d re-do audio. The gameplay is authentic, just some lines weren’t perfect for TV.
Afterwards, host Ken Jennings talked to us. That was a highlight, he was a really funny, charming, nice guy.
TC: How do you feel about where you placed?
AP: I would have loved to have won, but I’m not a super competitive person. I met my two goals, making it to Final Jeopardy and not doing anything meme-worthy, so I’m happy. I’ve gotten good, positive reactions from my friends and family, that’s what matters.
TC: What would you say to others that hope to compete in Jeopardy!?
AP: Regardless of your age, just go for it, take the quiz. I was talking to someone who tried to be on the show for 35 years, and he finally made it. Jeopardy contestants come from all walks of life.
TC: There’s a sense of community built around enjoying game shows. Why is it important for people to continue watching?
AP: It’s about knowledge. Knowledge is how we make the world a better place, it’s how we combat misinformation, it’s how we have a joined sense of this world. It’s useful to always be thinking about facts. Facts matter. It’s nice to see a show that celebrates that, and it’s so fun to experience with a lot of people.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
*Amanda Prusila has contributed to the Charlatan.
Featured image provided by Amanda Prusila via Tyler Golden/Sony Television.
