Why Was a Video Section Added to Casper?
For years, applicants complained that Casper was "essentially a speed-typing test." The best typists had a structural advantage that had nothing to do with ethical reasoning or interpersonal skills.
In 2021/2022, Acuity Insights piloted video responses to a subset of Casper scenarios. The results were strong: applicant feedback was positive, and the data showed the video component meaningfully improved the test's ability to assess communication skills and authenticity. The video section became permanent from the 2022/2023 cycle onward.
The video section now comes first, before the typed section. It tests something the typed section can't: how you actually communicate in real time — your composure, your clarity, your ability to structure an argument verbally under pressure.
Exact Format & Timing
The video section consists of 4 scenarios, each with 2 questions. For each question:
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Read or watch the scenario | Variable |
| Reflection time | 30 seconds |
| Read the question | 10 seconds |
| Record your response | 60 seconds |
After the 60-second timer expires, your video is automatically submitted. You cannot review it, edit it, or re-record. Whatever you said in that minute is what the rater sees.
After completing all 4 scenarios (8 questions total), you have the option of an optional 10-minute break before the typed section. Take it. Use it to breathe, reset your posture, and shift into the writing mindset.
There are no breaks during the video section itself. Once you start, you go through all 4 scenarios without stopping.
What Raters Actually Evaluate
Raters are instructed to evaluate the substance of your answer — the quality of your reasoning, the ethical framework you apply, and the completeness of your response. They are not judging:
- Your appearance or clothing
- Your accent
- Minor verbal hesitations ("um", "uh")
- Whether you look "polished"
However, raters are human. Clarity and confidence in delivery do affect how well your argument lands. If your answer is hard to follow verbally, even a good point gets lost.
What they do notice:
- Whether you addressed both aspects of the question
- Whether your reasoning is coherent and grounded
- Whether you show nuance — acknowledging competing values or perspectives
- Whether you appear genuinely engaged vs. robotic
8 Strategies to Score Higher
1. Record and Review Yourself
This is the single most important thing you can do. Most people are shocked by how they appear on video the first time — rushing, mumbling, looking away from the camera, running out of time mid-sentence.
How to practice:
- Use PhotoBooth (Mac) or Camera (Windows)
- Set a 60-second timer
- Answer a Casper-style scenario question aloud
- Watch it back and critique yourself honestly
Ask yourself after each recording:
- Did I actually answer the question fully within 60 seconds?
- Did I make eye contact with the camera?
- Was my pace easy to follow?
- Did I show any nuance, or was my answer one-dimensional?
Get feedback from a friend or family member. Keep recording until you're genuinely satisfied.
2. Practice the Exact Format
Most people practice answering the question — but not the full 30 + 10 + 60 second sequence. This matters:
- 30 seconds of reflection is not a lot. Train yourself to quickly identify: What are the competing values here? What would I actually do?
- 10 seconds to read the question is very short. Skim for the core ask.
- 60 seconds disappears fast if you don't structure your answer before you start talking.
Template approach for 60 seconds:
- Seconds 0–10: State your core position clearly
- Seconds 10–40: Explain your reasoning, acknowledge complexity, apply the if/then framework
- Seconds 40–60: Conclude with what you would do or what value guides your decision
3. Make It Conversational
The most effective video responses feel like a real conversation, not a rehearsed speech. Raters are people — they engage more with authentic delivery than with polished-but-stiff answers.
- Look directly at the camera (not at yourself in the preview window)
- Use natural hand gestures the same way you would in a real conversation
- Let your facial expressions reflect the content — if the scenario is serious, look appropriately serious
Imagine you are talking to a real person who asked you this question. How would you explain your thinking to them?
4. Watch Your Body Language
Your body communicates as much as your words.
Do:
- Sit up straight with shoulders back — you project confidence and speak more clearly
- Keep your gaze on the camera
- Position the camera at eye level (not looking up your nose or down at you)
Avoid:
- Hunching forward — it makes you look defensive
- Looking around the room — it signals distraction or dishonesty
- Fiddling with objects on your desk
- Glancing at the clock or the recording preview
5. Warm Up Your Voice and Face
The video section can feel jarring if you go in cold. Professional speakers and actors warm up before they perform — you should too.
5-minute warm-up routine:
- Slowly read a paragraph aloud, over-enunciating each syllable
- Tongue twisters: "Red leather, yellow leather" repeated fast
- Face stretch: squish your face tight, then open it wide — repeat 5 times
- Take 3 slow deep breaths before you start
This gets blood flowing, loosens your vocal cords, and makes your delivery feel natural from the first question rather than the third.
Note if you wear makeup: check a mirror after the facial exercises.
6. Dress the Part
Raters are trained not to judge on appearance. But your clothing affects how you feel — and that shows on camera.
- Dress casually but professionally. Business casual is appropriate.
- Avoid: pajamas, distracting prints, very bright colors that bleed on camera
- Choose something you feel confident and comfortable wearing
- You do not need a suit — this is not a medical school interview
7. Eliminate Distractions
The video section has no breaks and no do-overs. A distraction mid-answer is catastrophic.
- Phone: silence and remove from the room
- Computer: disable all notifications (Slack, email, calendar alerts)
- Housemates: tell them explicitly when your test is and ask them not to disturb you — ideally ask them to leave the apartment
- Pets: secure them in another room
- Cooking: don't cook immediately before the test — a fire alarm mid-recording is unrecoverable
8. Ensure Your Tech and Internet Are Reliable
Do the System Requirements Check at least 3 days before your test. This verifies:
- Webcam and microphone are detected and working
- Browser (Chrome or Firefox) is compatible
- Internet meets minimum speeds (1.5 Mbps down / 2 Mbps up)
On test day:
- Run a speed test and confirm your connection is stable
- Have a mobile hotspot ready as a backup
- Ask housemates not to stream video or download large files during your test window
Critical: Do NOT refresh the page while a response is uploading. If you experience a technical issue, use the Live Chat support at the bottom-right of the test screen.
Video Response FAQs
Can I see my video responses after submitting? No. Once the 60-second timer ends, your response is automatically submitted and locked. You cannot review or re-record.
What if I run out of time mid-sentence? Your video is cut off and submitted. Don't panic — the rater gives an overall score per scenario. One incomplete answer does not mean a failed section. Take a breath and focus on the next question.
Will medical schools see my video responses? No. Only trained Acuity Insights raters see your video responses. Schools receive only your quartile ranking.
Do raters judge my appearance? Raters are explicitly trained not to judge by appearance. However, dressed appropriately and comfortably helps you project confidence.
Can I submit before the 60 seconds are up? Yes. If you finish your answer before 60 seconds, you can click "Submit" to advance to the next question. There is no benefit to sitting in silence.
What if there's a technical issue during my recording? Contact Acuity Insights support immediately. They have a Live Chat function in the test interface. If you encounter an issue that persists beyond the test, email support@acuityinsights.app within 24 hours.