Saying he was just in it for the money, Leone, 51, said he was relying on his natural skills as a born genius to pull him through the difficult audition process.
This was Leone's 16th try to get on the show.
"Why else would anyone do it than for the money?" he said. "If I wanted to be famous I'd have been on Survivor."
The show's publicist, Trisha Miller, said they had turned away more than 40 people from the 9 a.m. round and would probably have to break even more hearts as the day went on.
The college theme is part of the show's quest for a second year "freshness" for its viewers, Miller said.
The show was instant hit when it premiered last fall. It is credited with rejuvenating the profit margins of the entire network, and undoubtedly helped its primetime line-up snag a Neilsen victory for the television season.
Though the show does not normally interview potential contestants, Miller said they were trying to make sure the college edition was fun and exciting.
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