Well the journey of pencils and cheap magnets has come to an end. I got in line at 7 AM and already there were at least 150 people in line. They gave us the contestant applications along with our magnets which they write our number for that session. I happen to be in the first session along with 250 more people. I fill out the application including the questions such as "What would you do if you won the million?", "What is your most embarassing moment?", and "Fill in the sentence: You wouldn't believe it if I told you, but...?" (my answer was " I was once mistaken for a stripper (true story)."
I was taken into a room with fold out chairs, and everyone was asked to show their enthusiasm which is quite a lot at 8 AM (even though the tryout was intended to start at 9 AM, they started one hour early). We got to ask questions to the contestant coordinator, and he couldn't reveal the answers to the questions what is the passing score and what is the percentage of people who take the test, pass it. They pass out the tests with the official Millionaire pencil and you get 10 minutes to take a 30 question test. The first test (movie week) is finished, and it is time to play how much can you get hurt in order to catch a cheap T-shirt. It is time for the second test (regular test), take test, pass test over to be graded, get nervous all over again. They reveal the scores for the movie test and 10 people out of the group pass (one more piece of advice, they tend to use questions from past shows as test questions). The numbers are called are out like the pick 3 game. The numbers seems to float in air, and everyone hopes to match. 1 6 1, my numbers match! I passed the test! We are quickly scurried out of the room for to contestant interview, and rarely the people know which face matches the number, but don't worry because you probably didn't see my face, but you heard me. About 30 people passed the test in the group.
We took our test in a Margarita Mama, pass by a Hooters, and ended up Saddleside (you can make up your own joke). They take us into the bar room, and a Polaroid is taken of us. A little chit chat is made with people who also passed the test. Hoping to gain an edge with the contestant coordinators, I talk and make the others beside me laugh (or is it a hindering). They call your name again for a 90 second interview in which the basic questions and also the important question: is there anything else about you you would like us to know? I let my true self shine and answer that nothing makes more happier than to see others enjoy themselves (clinched it). They say goodbye with your magnet, pencil, and Netflix free trial offer, but before they do. They tell you that you will receive a postcard within 3 weeks to show if you are in the contestant pool. However, they also tell you that you may get a call to be on the show before you get the postcard. Back to normal life and a 3 hour drive home. When I got out at 9 AM, there were 1,000 people in line baking in 80 degree weather. A quick change of clothes and it is off to tour Pittsburgh (a fabulous destination). Time to go home and a quick victory lunch at Ponderosa, at least passing the test is a great honor. Is my journey over? One more thing, I think the layout of roads in Pittsburgh is the inspiration of the Labyrinth game with all the holes leading to the Hill district. I am amazed you have made it this far.
