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