By Gina Scarpa

This summer, Big Brother will return with a brand new group of houseguests competing for a $500,000 grand prize and you could be one of them! Contestants agree to have their lives taped for three months while living together in a house and competing for prizes along the way. If you’re not shy, are willing to do what it takes to win, and think you can outsmart those around you, head over to bigbrothercasting.tv or http://www.cbs.com/casting/ to submit an application.

Last year, Big Brother aired an all star season, where the most memorable and favorite houseguests returned for their second chance at the grand prize. In September of 2011, Rachel Reilly was crowned the winner. Currently, she and fiancé (and fellow Big Brother player) Brendon Villegas are competing on season 20 of The Amazing Race.

For those looking for a few tips when applying, you’re in luck! Prior to season 12 airing, we spoke to a Big Brother casting director and got some advice for hopeful contestants. Don’t feel like your video needs to be over the top. “A lot of people will just sit on a couch and talk about themselves and sometimes, those are the best tapes,” said Robyn Kass, who has been casting the show since season 2. She also went on to say, “I should be able to tell within two minutes of watching your tape if you have a dynamic personality and you should be on Big Brother.” Be sure to take time with your application as well – sit down, think about your answers, tell stories, and show that you have a lot to say.

To find out more about how you can get on Big Brother, visit bigbrothercasting.tv

(Image courtesy of CBS)

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