Bergen Tech Teterboro Alumni Featured on “Jeopardy!” Episode

CULVER CITY, CA - Bergen Tech Teterboro alumni Alexander Wang competed on the hit trivia show, “Jeopardy!” just a few weeks ago. The episode, which aired on July 5th on ABC, had three contestants, one of which was Wang.

Wang, the Harrington Park native and rising senior at Duke University, said that he has always relished watching Jeopardy on television. Additionally, he has participated in his fair share of trivia competitions throughout middle and high school.

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“I've always just picked up on random things and random facts. So I thought like, why not? I'll apply to Jeopardy,” explained Wang.

“I didn't think I'd get on it. Especially not on my first try, especially not when I was in college,” he said.

Wang explained the lengthy process of applying and qualifying for the show.

He began by taking the “Jeopardy!” entry exam, called the “Anytime Test” in March 2022. Then, in January 2023, he participated in a proctored online test that was considered a “First Round Audition.” That following month, February 2023, he participated in a mock Jeopardy game that was considered a “Second Round Audition.”

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Finally, over a year later, in March 2024, Wang was notified that he had been selected for the show. So, Wang flew out to Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, California, where the show is filmed. The filming of the episode took place in May 2024.

Wang prepared for his appearance on the show by memorizing 200 world capitals and all the U.S. presidents in order, as well as reviewing common categories that show up on the Jeopardy board.

Upon arrival at the studio, Wang was brought to the contestants' room. He explained that contestants were asked to bring three changes of clothes with them and would get their hair and makeup done.

“I've never done anything performance or theater, so I felt like I was in Hollywood,” Wang said.

When the episode aired, Wang had a watch party with his friends from Bergen Tech and Duke. The aftermath of the show resulted in some funny tweets from fans about his performance. The U.S. Sun even published an article about his slip-ups.

Wang explained that the media coverage and commentary he experienced online was “nothing extreme,” and that he found it entertaining to read.

Wang ended up placing second in the competition and won $3,000.

“Overall, it was just a really, really, amazing, surreal, experience. It was just really cool to see behind the scenes and the work of all the people to make it happen.”

Jenna Mattern is a rising junior at Loyola University Maryland, but is originally from Hasbrouck Heights. She is majoring in Communications with a specialization in Journalism and Digital Media. At Loyola, she works as a Resident Assistant and Tour Guide. She is an active member of Omicron Delta Kappa, a leadership honor society. Additionally, she is a member of HerCampus, which is a national magazine that has a chapter through Loyola. In her free time, Jenna works part-time at a bakery and enjoys reading, cooking, and going to the beach.

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