So you want to be on reality TV? Well, then I have good news for you because it's relatively easy to apply to be on The Bachelor or The Bachelorette. The romantic show is one of reality TV's longest running series — and for good reason. There's nothing cooler than tuning in to watch the process of two people finding each other and falling in love. Sure, the couples don't always work out, but most everyone who has gone on the show has declared it an unforgettable experience.
Past contestants have found life long friends, new career opportunities, and, yes, sometimes even love from the show. Why wouldn't you want to give that a chance? At the very least, it's a fun experience and you get to travel to exotic locations for free. I'm not going to lie, being on The Bachelor is a dream of mine. And, in case it's yours too, I've looked into the application process for us both. Fortunately, it's not that complicated. Yes, it'll take a little bit of time to fill out the questionnaire. But, finding the love of your life isn't exactly quick and easy when you do it the old-fashioned way, either.
There are a couple of different ways you can apply for The Bachelor or The Bachelorette, so I've laid out the options here for your convenience. Good luck and may the roses be ever in your favor!
Read The Eligibility Rules
Don't bother applying if you're under 21, work for the Disney corporation, or have been on another reality show, among other things. ABC has a lengthy list of rules of eligibility, so be sure to read those before you start your application to make sure you're allowed to compete!
Mail In An Application
If you prefer snail mail, you can print out the show's questionnaire and mail it in. (There an application for girls, and a separate application for guys.) You'll have to answer a couple of pages of questions such as, "What's your favorite drink?" and "Are you genuinely looking to get married?"
I personally think this is the best way to apply because it gives you the most room for explaining yourself and why you want to be on the show. But, if you're not great at essay questions, you might want to opt for an alternate route!
Fill Out An Application Online
The online Bachelor application is much shorter than the mail-in one. You fill out basic information about yourself (your job, whether you have any kids, etc.) and then there's a section where you tell them why you want to be on the show. This seems like an easier way to apply because you don't have to mail anything, but it's also kind of limited when it comes to allowing you to sell yourself to the production team. You want to be sure you come off as interesting enough for a follow-up interview. If you can manage that in the space they provide, great! If you need more room (or more questions as prompts), I'd opt for the mail-in version.
Send Pictures
Whether you apply via snail mail or the Internet, you have to show ABC what you look like. They suggest sending anywhere from 5-15 photos including "some good close-up shots and full body pics." Season 16 winner Courtney Robertson wrote about the application process in her book and recommended you “cut to the chase and save producers time by wearing a bikini in the photo.” It's shallow, but, after all, there are always a few Bachelor pool parties throughout the season, and the standard of Bachelor beauty remains pretty much the same: thin, thin, thin.
Make A Video
If you want to give yourself an edge, you can make a video of yourself explaining why you should be given a shot. ABC has generously supplied you with some instructions on what to include in the video. It should be noted that, for them, "personality is key!" They say the video should be 5-10 minutes long, and, basically, they want to see how you look on camera and what makes you interesting. What's your romantic history look like? What's your dream date? Do you have any special talents?
Even though it's not required, I recommend making a video because it's an easy way to show them you can handle being in front of a camera. As ABC says on their website, "Making a video is the best way to show us your personality and ensure that you are seen by the casting team!"
Have Someone Else Nominate You
If you feel like you can't describe why you'd be a good match for the show, have a friend or family member submit you for casting. There's a short application for them to fill out about why they're nominating you and why you'd be a good fit. They also have to include at least one photo of you. This application is also good if you don't have 5-15 good photos of yourself, because, this way, you only have to submit one. (Although, I'm sure the more you send, the better your odds are.)
Attend A Live Casting Call
The final way to apply is in person. Do you perform really well in face-to-face settings? A live casting call might be your best bet to portray your personality for the producers. Bustle's Anna Klassen attended one in 2014 and can give you a rundown of what you expect. Then, you can go to The Bachelor's list of casting calls to find one in a city near you.
Regardless of which application process you choose, you have to be prepared to gush about why you're ready to find love and how you hope to find it on their show. It probably helps to have some sort of quirky backstory or tragic life event that you're trying to overcome. After all, The Bachelor is a show meant to entertain, so they want a variety of contestants with interesting personalities. Hopefully yours can make the cut!
Images: Rick Rowell/ABC; Giphy (4); NBC; emica2401, francoisrolandtruffaut/Tumblr
