How to Prepare and Excel in the CASPer Test

Jun 4, 2024

How to Prepare and Excel in the CASPer Test 📝

Introduction

  • Speaker: Ryan, incoming vet student at the University of Melbourne and second-year Life Sciences student at the National University of Singapore
  • Topic: Tips for preparing for the CASPer test

What is the CASPer Test?

  • Type: Online open response situational judgement test
  • Purpose: Assessing behavioral tendencies and responses to difficult situations
  • Structure:
    • 12 sections (written or video prompts)
    • Each section has 3 questions
    • Complete each section within 5 minutes
    • Total duration: 60-90 minutes
    • Rated by human raters
    • Results: Quartile score sent ~1 month after the test

Tips to Prepare for the CASPer Test

1. Understand the Traits Being Assessed

  • Importance: Knowing the traits assessed helps in effectively applying them in responses
  • Resource: Link to a site explaining the traits (check the provided link)

2. Practice Typing Skills

  • Reason: Limited time to answer questions (5 minutes for 3 questions)
  • Tip: Improve typing speed and endurance
  • Strategy:
    • Find a comfortable typing position
    • Use online typing practice websites

3. Read Up on Medical Ethics

  • Importance: Helps in dealing with uncertainties in the test scenarios
  • Components: Handling difficult clients, different beliefs, conflict resolution, breaking bad news
  • Resource: Link to medical ethics site with case studies (check the provided link)

4. Practice, Practice, Practice

  • Resources: Sample questions and answers available online
  • Benefits: Keeps concepts fresh and improves answering skills
  • Reflection Questions:
    • How does my answer differ from the given answer?
    • What lessons can I learn?
  • Simulation: Time yourself while practicing to simulate the actual test
  • Resource: Altus provides a sample test

5. Take Note of Keywords

  • Reason: Certain keywords demonstrate specific traits
  • Strategy:
    • Use broad keywords first (e.g., communication, collaboration)
    • Narrow down to specific keywords for scenarios
  • Example: Demonstrate good communication by "talking privately in a non-confrontational manner"

6. Formulate a Good Battle Plan

  • Strategy:
    • Use the reflection time (20 seconds) to predict questions and identify keywords
    • Example scenario: Group project issues with a member plagiarizing work
    • Write key points and keywords for each individual involved
    • Focus on broad keywords first, then move to specific scenarios if needed
  • Execution: Write quickly, even if the sentences aren't perfectly structured, and refer back to your notes as you type your answers

Conclusion

  • Final Tips: Writing helps in organizing thoughts quickly and avoiding rumination
  • Call to Action: Like, subscribe, and ring the notification bell for more content from Ryan
  • Additional Resources: Videos on Ryan's journey and gaining animal experience