Understanding Casper Test Video Responses: Key Information
Developed by Acuity Insights, the Casper test assesses a candidate's capacity to apply social understanding and analytical thinking to address common interpersonal or professional challenges effectively.
The test consists of two parts: a video response portion, where candidates record themselves answering prompts, and a written response portion, where answers are typed.
This guide explores all aspects of the updated video response feature of Casper, including the revised test structure, preparation tips for video answers, and answers to common questions about these updates.
Key Details for the 2025/2026 Application Cycle
- No schools in the 2025-2026 cycle will mandate a Snapshot interview.
- Certain schools might require a brief Duet values assessment.
- The Casper test now includes 11 scenarios.
- The duration of Casper is now between 65 and 85 minutes.
Whether Casper is required depends on your target schools. Check our comprehensive list of schools requiring Casper, and confirm with each institution if a Duet assessment is also needed.
Casper Overview
A 65-85 minute situational judgment evaluation, Casper measures nine non-academic traits like problem-solving, ethics, and empathy.
Explore our Casper GuideDuet Overview
A values-matching assessment where applicants identify key program values, which are then compared to those of participating medical schools.
Explore our Duet GuideIn the updated Casper format, you'll type responses to two open-ended questions following seven scenarios, presented in both video and text formats.
The video response portion features four scenarios, also in video and text formats. Each scenario includes two questions, and you'll record a one-minute verbal response for each instead of typing.
Rather than writing, you'll record video answers to both questions within a one-minute limit per response. Once the time is up, the system automatically moves you to the next question and submits your video to Casper evaluators.
Why Include a Video Component in Casper?
The video element was introduced after Acuity Insights (formerly Altus Suite) received feedback that Casper felt like a typing speed challenge.
To address this, they tested video responses in a pilot during the 2021/2022 cycle. The results were encouraging, and applicants liked the change, prompting Acuity Insights to implement the video component permanently.
Expect further refinements from Acuity Insights based on ongoing feedback and data from future cycles.
Understanding the New Video Response Structure
Video Response Breakdown
- 1You'll encounter four scenarios.
- 2You get 30 seconds to think about each scenario after viewing or reading it.
- 3You'll have 10 seconds to read each question before answering.
- 4You'll record a 60-second video response for each question.
- 5Your video is auto-submitted for review after 60 seconds.
- 6After two questions, you'll move to the next scenario.
Before starting the typed response section, you can take an optional 10-minute break, which we strongly suggest using to regroup and ready yourself.
Typed Response Breakdown
In the typed section, you'll face seven scenarios, each with two questions to answer in a 3.5-minute window. There's an optional five-minute break midway through.
Casper Video Response Common Questions
What's the Duration of the Casper Test?
The test now features 11 scenarios: four in the video section and seven in the typed section, using both text and video formats.
It takes 65-85 minutes to finish Casper.
How Much Time Per Question?
Post-scenario, you get 30 seconds to reflect, 10 seconds to read the question, and 60 seconds to record your answer. After 60 seconds, your response auto-saves, and the next question appears.
You can hit “submit” early to save and proceed. After two questions, a new scenario begins.
What If Time Runs Out?
After one minute, your video uploads automatically—no extensions or retries unless it's a technical glitch. Contact Acuity Insights support if tech issues arise.
Don't stress if you miss time on one question. It's a small part of the test, and a strong answer elsewhere can still earn a good score from raters.
Are Breaks Available in the Video Section?
No breaks occur during the video section—it's continuous through all questions.
You get 30 seconds to reflect per scenario, 10 seconds to read each question, and 60 seconds to respond.
A 10-minute break follows the video section, and a 5-minute break splits the typed section.
Do Schools See My Video Responses?
No, only trained Casper raters view your videos—not the schools you're applying to.
Do Raters Assess My Looks?
Raters are instructed to focus on your responses, not your appearance. No need to dress formally like an interview.
Still, choose neat, non-distracting attire. Acuity Insights suggests avoiding pajamas or flashy outfits—keep it simple and comfortable.
Strategies for Casper Video Responses
1 | Get Comfortable with the Format
Casper's unique rules require practice to master its format.
The video section has four scenarios (video and text). Each includes two questions you'll answer via video in 60 seconds, after 30 seconds of reflection and 10 seconds to read the prompt.
Responses auto-submit after a minute, so practice timing your answers with a stopwatch to stay concise and clear.
2 | Record and Review Yourself
Since raters see your videos, record practice answers within 60 seconds using tools like PhotoBooth (Mac) or Camera (PC), then watch them.
Evaluate yourself and tweak as needed. Feedback from friends or peers can also help refine your delivery.
Check for confidence, clarity, eye contact, and completeness within the time limit. Keep practicing until satisfied.
3 | Keep It Natural and Engaging
Though you can't see the rater, imagine you're speaking to someone directly.
Look at the camera and use natural gestures to boost confidence and keep raters engaged in your response.
4 | Mind Your Posture and Presence
During practice, monitor your posture—sit tall with shoulders back for confidence and clear speech.
Maintain eye contact with the camera as if it's a person, and avoid fidgeting or glancing away to stay focused and professional.
5 | Prep Your Voice and Expression
Warm up your voice and face before recording to ensure clear, lively delivery.
Try tongue twisters with exaggerated enunciation and facial stretches (squish and expand your features) to energize yourself.
A loose, prepared voice and face enhance your video performance.
6 | Choose Suitable Attire
No need for formal wear, but dress neatly and professionally—avoid casual extremes like pajamas or anything too bold.
Pick comfortable, confidence-boosting clothes that won't distract you or the raters.
7 | Minimize Interruptions
Silence your phone or remove it, and disable computer notifications to stay focused.
Inform housemates of your test schedule, ideally asking them to leave or stay quiet to reduce risks.
8 | Verify Tech and Connectivity
Casper's pre-test check ensures your tech works, but confirm you have a good webcam and mic beforehand.
Test your internet (1.5 Mbps download, 2 Mbps upload minimum) and have a backup like a hotspot ready. Use Chrome or Firefox only.
Ask housemates to avoid heavy internet use during your test to maintain stability.