Introduction to Casper
PA schools have slowly transitioned to requiring this test in the last few years. The Casper test is a situational judgement and awareness exam that tests your judgement in challenging situations. The test looks for skills not evaluated in coursework or on the GRE/PA-CAT including professionalism, empathy, and ethics to name a few. The test has both written and recorded verbal responses. Each question is timed, with a total of five minutes to answer three discrete questions per prompt.
The first half of the test is written, where students must answer questions based off three word-based prompts and six video-based prompts. The answers are meant to be in complete sentences and are graded for content, not grammar or spelling.
The second half of the test is recorded video responses. There are two word-based as well as four video-based prompts. The test-taker is given one minute to record their answer for three questions for each prompt.
The total test takes about two hours to complete. The test is graded by real people, with each question graded by a different person to reduce the chance of bias. The exam takes a little under a month to be graded and the scores are sent to directly to the schools.
The Altus Suite and Snapshot
A number of schools are also requiring more than just the Casper. Casper is one element of a set of assessments called the Altus Suite. The Altus Suite also includes a new tool called Snapshot. Snapshot is a short one-way interview that helps programs evaluate students for the communication skills, presence, and motivation for professional school. Answers are recorded using a webcam. There are three questions with two minutes to prep for each question. Overall, Snapshot will take about ten minutes to complete. It can be completed anytime, but the Altus Suite recommends taking it within two weeks of completing the Casper. Questions asked are those asked in a standard interview. See our list of practice questions in the Test Tips section!
PreHealthAdmit's Casper Test Tips and Study Recommendations
- Be prepared for the exam. Practice your typing. Make sure your computer can record video and that you have a good microphone on your headphones.
- Prep for the exam! There are practice questions on the Casper website TakeAltus.com. Be sure to time yourself when attempting the questions and simulate testing- whether that be answering via typing your answer or recording it.
- Don’t panic if you don’t immediately have and answer to each question. Read all three questions first! Tackle those questions that you do know first instead of getting stuck. This gives your brain time to really think about the prompt and may jog your memory for an answer.
- Think about all the information you have been given as well as all the affected people involved. This can help you avoid missing any details when planning out your answer.
- It’s okay if you leave a few questions blank. It is better to answer 2 out of the 3 questions well than all 3 questions poorly.
- Take a few deep breaths through the exam and remember this is only one small part of the entire admissions package including your personal statement, interviews, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.
PreHealthAdmit's Snapshot Test Tips and Study Recommendations
- Try to smile and be personable. Raters are trained to focus on the content of what you are saying but it can be difficult to be completely unbiased from body language.
- Be sure to use formal language as opposed to slang.
- Be yourself and have fun! As difficult as this may sound, it will positively impact your score.
- Prep some sample questions with a friend or a family member. Be sure to simulate by timing yourself and recording yourself with your computer. Pay special attention to how you maintain eye contact and your body language. Crossed arms and looking away will make your answer weaker, regardless of how strong your answer is. Example questions are listed here:
- How do you handle stress?
- What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?
- Describe an obstacle you have overcome.
- Describe an ethical dilemma that you have faced and how you handled it.
- Describe a time when you failed at something.
- Describe a time when you demonstrated leadership.
- Tell me about a time when you and another individual had to compromise to reach an agreement.
