How Being a Reality Show Contestant Really Works

It's really difficult to land a spot on a reality show. But even though your chances aren't that great, they're probably better than winning the lottery. So give it a shot. You've got two main options: Sending in an application and video or attending a live audition, aka an open casting call.

The application/video process is the most common way people nab spots on a reality show. Here's how to make a favorable impression:

If your targeted show holds live auditions, they'll likely be held in a handful of larger cities over a period of weeks or months. Open casting calls typically attract a lot of people, so if you go, be prepared to wait a long time. Here's how to make the most of your audition:

Congrats! You've been selected to be on a reality show. Now, what?

Each reality show is unique, but all will do one thing: Require you to sign a lengthy contract. Reality show contracts typically include language saying you can't sue; that it's not the production company's fault if you get injured (physically or mentally); that you may be subject to an invasion of privacy and that the show may portray you in any manner desired. Especially beware the latter; your slightly flirty nature may turn into a depiction of you as a raging nymphomaniac.

Contestants can expect many sleepless nights. Elsie Ramos, a past participant on "Hell's Kitchen," told The New York Times she logged no more than five hours of sleep per night during the show's month-long shooting. On "The Bachelor," lots of liquor is provided to amp the drama. "If you combine no sleep with alcohol and no food, emotions are going to run high and people are going to be acting crazy," added Erica Rose, a "Bachelor" contestant, to the "Times." Other shows may have you participate in challenges that can be physically or mentally grueling, or just plain gross. (Think of the bug-eating challenges in shows like "Survivor" and "Fear Factor").

Reality shows often require you to be incommunicado with family and friends, to up the stress level. Perhaps more dispiriting, if you're in an elimination-type show and get the boot, you typically can't go home. If you did, people would know you didn't win. So you're often sent to a vacation spot to wait out the show's conclusion [sources: Cooper and Dehnart, Wyatt].

Be prepared to discover some manipulation once on the show as well. Episodes are often creatively edited to tell the story the producers want to tell. One past contestant on "The Voice" wrote on Reddit that her auditions, recording sessions and interviews were all recorded well before the show, which then made it look like they were recorded the same day. (One trick: She had to keep wearing the same clothes.) So, the "blind audition" wasn't all that blind.

While all of this information may seem like one big reason to forget the thought of being a contestant, plenty of past participants say they'd happily sign on again, despite everything. Whether the show furthered their career, enabled them to explore more of the world, led them to their soulmate or was just plain fun, the sometimes-challenging conditions were worth it [source: Wyatt].

You won your reality show! You're now $1 million (or $500,000 or $250,000) richer! Maybe you've also lost 50 percent of your body weight, snagged a Marie-Claire fashion spread or will be running one of Donald Trump's companies. In some cases, you're even on your way to becoming a superstar a la Kelly Clarkson from "American Idol." If so, fantastic! But most contestants aren't so lucky and should be prepared for some of these after effects.

One is that you'll be recognized. Some former contestants enjoy having strangers stare at them or ask for autographs or photos; others don't. Especially if you were portrayed as a villain on the show. Generally, the recognition and notoriety only last until the show's next season starts and the next crop of contestants' stars rise. But this roller coaster of "not famous-famous-not famous" can be problematic for some contestants, especially younger people, who may struggle with anxiety and depression as they ponder what's next in their lives. Many contestants quit their jobs to appear on the show, or take a hiatus from college, leaving them with a blank canvas come finale time.

However, others find they can parlay their 15 minutes of fame into something more – becoming a motivational speaker; opening a restaurant; furthering their singing or fashion careers on a modest level or at least appearing on other reality shows for cash.

Ideally, your time spent filming a reality show will be an entertaining pause in your life. Something that brought you fun and levity, maybe some new friends and definitely great memories for years to come. Just weigh all the pros and cons before you sign up.