15 Tips to Get Ready for the Casper Test (Preparation Is Possible!)
While traditional studying might not apply to Casper, preparation is key. The Casper test is a distinctive, time-sensitive challenge, and being comfortable with its structure can significantly boost your performance. Thorough preparation will equip you with the assurance needed to respond effectively in both the typed and video portions of the exam.
Your level of readiness and self-assurance is critical. After practicing sample questions, do you feel pressed for time, rattled, or uncertain? If so, dedicating more time to practice is essential. Here, we'll cover 15 strategies to help you excel on the Casper test.
What Is the Casper Test and What Does It Assess?
Casper, or "Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics," is an online evaluation that goes beyond academics and technical skills to gauge your personal traits. It measures your social awareness, critical thinking, empathy, and ability to communicate effectively.
The test focuses on nine key traits:
Discover how Casper is evaluated and what reviewers look for in responses.
For detailed info on test logistics, scoring, and common queries, check out our in-depth Casper guide.
Although Casper isn't a test you can cram for, there are plenty of ways to get ready and become acquainted with its format.
Getting Ready for Casper: 15 Essential Tips
1. Get to Know the Test Structure
Casper stands out from other exams you've encountered. It presents 11 realistic scenarios involving ethical or professional dilemmas, asking you to describe your actions. These scenarios come in two forms: text-based and video-based.
The test splits into two parts: a video response section and a typed response section.
Video Response Part:
Following a scenario, you'll face two open-ended questions. You get one minute per question to record a video answer. Once time's up, your response uploads automatically, with no option to edit or review.
Typed Response Part:
After a scenario, you'll answer two open-ended questions in writing. You have 3.5 minutes total for both before moving on automatically. Once submitted or time expires, your answers are locked in—no revisions allowed.
2. Explore Sample Scenarios
Prepare with practice questions that mirror Casper's real scenarios. Familiarizing yourself with these can be a game-changer. Free sample questions are available on the Acuity Insights website.
3. Simulate the Test Environment
Try a practice Casper test via Acuity Insights to adapt to its layout and question style ahead of the actual exam.
Access a practice test through your Acuity Insights account under the Casper section. Start with Step 1: System Check, then move to Step 2: Practice Casper.
4. Use Conditional Responses
Casper doesn't have definitive right or wrong answers. It tests your judgment and professionalism in ambiguous ethical situations.
Opt for if/then statements in your responses: “If this happens, I'd do this; but if that's the case, I'd do that instead.”
This approach demonstrates your ability to weigh multiple perspectives and outcomes. It also lets you address the vague nature of scenarios by adding relevant context.
Sample situation:
Imagine you're in a university bookstore and see a student steal a medical textbook. What's your next step?
Sample response:
“I'd approach the student and insist they return to pay for it. If they refuse, I'd inform the staff and suggest contacting security. But if they explain they aspire to be a doctor and can't afford the book, I'd offer to cover the cost and help them explore financial aid options.”
5. Minimize Interruptions
During the test, distractions can derail you. With Casper's strict timing, a phone alert or a knock from a housemate—or even pets—could throw you off.
The video section especially demands focus. A distraction mid-recording could muddle your message, and recovering mentally might be tough.
- Switch off your phone or store it elsewhere.
- Choose a quiet, interruption-free spot.
- Inform housemates of your test schedule.
- Post a “do not disturb” sign on your door.
- Ask housemates to step out for a couple of hours if feasible.
Advice for the Typed Response Portion
10. Sharpen Your Reading Skills
Though some scenarios are video-based, you'll need to quickly grasp text-based ones under time pressure.
Strong reading comprehension aids not just Casper but also the MCAT's CARS section and life overall. Swift understanding is a vital asset, particularly in medicine—a field rooted in learning.
Boost this skill with active reading: engage deeply by questioning the text, connecting personally, rereading tricky parts, and analyzing the language to uncover the author's intent.
11. Enhance Your Typing Ability
Typing is a minor but helpful part of Casper prep. Good typing skills let you concentrate on your responses rather than the keyboard.
With Casper's time limits, fast and clear typing gives you an edge. Fewer mistakes mean less editing, and raters can easily follow your thoughts.
While raters overlook minor spelling or grammar slips, clarity matters. Too many errors could obscure your message.
Advice for the Video Response Portion
12. Practice and Evaluate Recordings
Not everyone loves the camera. Many feel self-conscious about their voice or appearance, making the video section intimidating.
Overcome this with repeated practice. The more you record yourself answering sample Casper questions, the less daunting it becomes.
Watch your recordings to spot improvement areas. Get feedback from a trusted friend or relative too.
13. Warm Up Your Voice and Face
Do you warm up before exercise? What if a friend skipped stretching before a race—would you advise them otherwise?
You won't strain a facial muscle, but stumbling over words is likely without prep. Rushing or slurring could confuse raters.
Loosen your mouth with tongue twisters like “red leather, yellow leather” or “the tip of the tongue, the teeth, the lips” repeated fast.
Try facial exercises to relax your expression. Aim to look lively and assured, not stiff or distant.
15. Treat It Like a Chat
View the video section as a dialogue. Imagine someone's on the other side of the lens (because they are). Practice looking at the camera and using gestures to feel natural and highlight key points.
Eye contact and gestures also shine in interviews. They show engagement and keep your listener hooked.