4. KNOW WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET REJECTED

Chin up. Just because you weren't chosen, doesn't mean you should give up. There's always next year. As of now, the 10-season-strong phenomenon shows no signs of slowing. In fact, MTV is always taking suggestions on where to set up camp next.

But if you feel incredibly desperate to appear on an MTV show, there are tons of opportunities. Here are some recent examples:

  • Mall Confessions: Confess your deepest, darkest secrets on national television.

  • Hot Zone: Sit in the studio audience of this video show.

  • Sisqo's Shakedown: Boogie with the Dragon.

  • Wanna Be a VJ?: Erase the nightmare that was Jesse Camp.

  • Say What? Karaoke: Sing it loud, sing it strong...

  • The Blame Game: A game show that allows you to embarrass your ex to the best of your ability.

  • Road Rules: When you apply to The Real World, you're almost automatically entered into the Road Rules contestant pool too.

To find out about these opportunities (and others) MTV keeps a continuously updated tally of casting calls, so check that page every week to see what new projects are popping up.

If you're just looking for money, there are always the standard game shows:

If all else fails, suck it up and go get a Web cam. You can always be famous somewhere.