The Casper Test is a crucial component in the admissions process for many Canadian and U.S. medical schools, including those listed through the Altus Suite. Designed to assess non-cognitive skills like professionalism, communication, empathy, and ethical decision-making, this situational judgment test (SJT) challenges applicants to think on their feet and express their thoughts clearly in high-pressure situations. To succeed, thorough Casper Test practice is essential. At mdconsultantsprep.ca, we understand how stressful this stage can be and offer students personalized guidance to prepare effectively.
What is the Casper Test?
Casper (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) is a 100–120-minute online test consisting of 12 scenarios. These scenarios are presented as either video-based or text-based prompts, followed by three open-ended questions. Test-takers have five minutes to type out their answers to each set. Schools use Casper to evaluate qualities that academic metrics cannot—like your ethical compass, interpersonal skills, and maturity.
It is typically taken early in the medical school application season, and its results are sent directly to the institutions of your choice. Unlike other exams, you cannot review your responses after submission, and there are no breaks once the test starts—making preparation and stamina both critical to success.
Why Practicing Casper Sample Questions Matters
Much like the MMI (Multiple Mini Interview), the Casper Test assesses how well you can handle ethically and emotionally charged scenarios. Practicing sample questions helps you get used to:
- Time constraints
- Ethical frameworks
- Clear, concise communication
- Reflective thinking
Casper isn’t just about right or wrong answers; it’s about demonstrating thoughtful reasoning, professionalism, and compassion. With the right Casper Test practice, you can learn to frame your responses like a pro.
Additionally, regular practice builds your confidence and helps reduce test anxiety. This is particularly important given the test’s time-pressured nature. Many students find that repeated exposure to common scenarios sharpens their judgment and allows them to express their values more effectively.
Top 6 Casper Test Sample Questions and How to Answer Them
1. Scenario: A Co-Worker Takes Credit for Your Work
Question: What would you do in this situation?
How to Answer Like a Pro:
- Stay calm and objective.
- Address the issue privately with your co-worker first.
- If unresolved, escalate the issue respectfully to a supervisor.
- Emphasize teamwork and maintaining professionalism over revenge.
Example Response: “I would approach my colleague in a respectful and non-confrontational manner to understand their perspective. If the issue persists, I would discuss the matter with a supervisor while focusing on preserving team cohesion.”
2. Scenario: You Witness a Friend Cheating on an Exam
Question: Would you report your friend? Why or why not?
How to Answer Like a Pro:
- Highlight integrity and fairness.
- Acknowledge the difficulty of the situation.
- Suggest speaking to the friend first, encouraging them to self-report.
- If they refuse, recognize your obligation to report.
Example Response: “Academic integrity is vital to trust in the profession. I would speak to my friend privately, express my concerns, and encourage them to come forward. If they do not, I would report the incident to maintain fairness and uphold institutional policies.”
3. Scenario: A Patient Refuses a Life-Saving Treatment for Religious Reasons
Question: How should the healthcare team respond?
How to Answer Like a Pro:
- Respect patient autonomy.
- Engage in clear, compassionate communication.
- Involve cultural/religious liaisons or ethicists if necessary.
Example Response: “I would ensure the patient is fully informed about the treatment and its benefits while respecting their beliefs. It’s important to involve an interdisciplinary team, including religious leaders or ethicists, to support the patient in making an informed decision.”
4. Scenario: You Have a Conflict With a Group Project Member
Question: How would you address the issue?
How to Answer Like a Pro:
- Promote open communication.
- Avoid blaming; focus on collaboration.
- Be willing to compromise.
Example Response: “I would schedule a time to discuss our concerns privately, using ‘I’ statements to avoid sounding accusatory. The goal is to understand their viewpoint and find a mutually agreeable solution.”
5. Scenario: You’re Asked to Work Overtime But Have a Family Obligation
Question: How do you handle this situation?
How to Answer Like a Pro:
- Balance personal and professional responsibilities.
- Be transparent and proactive.
- Offer alternatives.
Example Response: “I would inform my supervisor about my prior commitment and see if adjustments can be made. If not, I’d try to find a colleague to cover for me or ask if I can stay later another day to help meet the team’s needs.”
6. Scenario: You See a Nurse Being Verbally Abused by a Physician
Question: What would you do?
How to Answer Like a Pro:
- Address unprofessional behavior respectfully.
- Ensure the nurse feels supported.
- Report the incident through proper channels.
Example Response: “I would support the nurse by checking in with them afterward and report the incident to a supervisor or HR. It’s important to maintain a safe and respectful work environment.”
How to Structure Your Answers
When practicing for the Casper Test, use the SPIES method:
- S – Situation: Describe what’s happening.
- P – Perception: Acknowledge different perspectives.
- I – Insight: Share your values or knowledge.
- E – Empathy: Show compassion and understanding.
- S – Solution: Offer a resolution or next steps.
This structure ensures your answers are balanced, thoughtful, and grounded in professionalism.
Other useful structures include the ABCDE method (Action, Background, Consequence, Decision, Evaluation), which is ideal for ethical dilemmas where consequences are unclear.
Final Tips to Excel in the Casper Test
- Practice Regularly: Familiarize yourself with the question format and timing.
- Type Quickly and Clearly: Practice typing under timed conditions.
- Reflect on Personal Experiences: Authenticity strengthens your responses.
- Stay Calm Under Pressure: Composure is part of the test.
- Get Feedback: Use mock Casper scenarios offered at mdconsultantsprep.ca.
- Work on Time Management: Practicing 3-question sets with a 5-minute timer trains you to think quickly.
- Record and Review: For video responses (in some Casper formats), record practice sessions and evaluate your tone and body language.
Remember: Casper is not about perfection—it’s about showing character.
