What is Casper and how do you prepare?

20 February 2024

You’re getting ready to apply to an Australian university and you see “Casper” as part of the admissions requirements.

What on earth is Casper?

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Find out more about admissions tests and eligibility

No, we’re not talking about a friendly ghost! The Casper our universities work with is an aptitude test that assesses a student’s decision-making skills, thought processes, and people skills through open-ended questions. This is what’s known as a situational judgment test (SJT). It asks what you would do in a tough situation, and more important, why. This helps determine behavioral tendencies of applicants pursuing people-centered professions, like medicine, dentistry, teacher education, and even veterinary medicine!

Why is Casper important?
Casper will provide universities with a more complete view of you and your skills—beyond book smarts!

For that reason, it is required by some universities as part of the admissions process. These schools recognize skills and attributes such as resilience, critical thinking, and communication using the Casper test in lieu of an interview.

When should you write test?
It’s important to familiarize yourself with Casper to ensure you are ready to complete your test at an appropriate time. The earlier you write it, the better!

There are typically three scheduled test dates per admissions cycle.

Dates are announced on the official Casper website, and are typically updated in June each year. You’ll need to convert the listed times to your time zone. You may undertake the test on any of the available test dates for your admissions cycle.

Your OzTREKK application(s) must be submitted to the university before you will be able to register for a test date and you will need your university application ID to sign up. You’re encouraged to register at least three days before your preferred test date so they can process payment and account information.

What do you need to write the Casper?
You’ll need access to a computer with a stable internet connection and a webcam (this is one way that the testing company will proctor your test), and a valid government identification card (driver’s license, health card, etc.).

Using a tablet to take the test is not recommended.

There are no designated testing centres, so the test can be completed anywhere there is a reliable internet connection available. System checks and internet connection speed tests are included in the registration process.

What is included in the Casper?
The test is divided into 2 sections: video response and typed response sections. In the video response section, you’ll be presented with 2 word-based scenarios and 4 video-based scenarios. The second section is the typed response section. Here, you will be presented with 3 word-based scenarios and 5 video-based scenarios.

Each video response scenario has two open-ended questions, and you’ll have one minute to record each response. Each typed response scenario has 3 open-ended questions, presented altogether. You’ll have 5 minutes to respond to all 3 questions.

The entire test takes approximately 90 to 140 minutes.

Can I review my video responses before sending them? Can I redo a video response?
Unfortunately, no. Once you’ve completed recording your video response, you cannot retake it unless you experience technical problems and your response was not saved correctly. It’s best to  complete the system requirements check before taking the test, and to take the practice test so you’re familiar with the set-up.

What does the test measure?
Casper is designed to allow you to demonstrate your skills beyond academia (like people skills) earlier on in the admissions process. The test assesses the following qualities:

  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Empathy
  • Equity
  • Ethics
  • Motivation
  • Problem Solving
  • Professionalism
  • Resilience
  • Self-awareness

Are the test questions program specific?
All scenarios will be generic ethical dilemmas that you may encounter in your daily life. They are not specific to the program or profession to which you’re applying. You can find examples on the bottom of the Casper Test Prep page.

How do you prepare for Casper?
We know it may seem daunting to write such an open-ended test, but there are ways in which you can prepare and do your absolute best on test day! Here are a few tips for success:

  • Familiarize yourself with the format of the test.
  • Complete the system-requirements check to ensure your computer can run the test smoothly.
  • Find a quiet place to take the test.
  • Use the full allotted five minutes to complete each section in detail.
  • There are no right or wrong answers! Just be yourself.

Take a practice test
There is a full 14-scenario sample test containing both the video and typed response sections that you can use to practice as many times as you like. Your answers will not be saved or submitted for review or feedback.

Take this opportunity to seriously consider the scenario you are presented with, then try to answer the probing questions as you would in a true test sitting. This will help you get a sense of the time limit and can help you practice formulating responses quicker. You can do the practice session as many times as you wish so you feel comfortable with the test format and being in front of the camera.

Casper indicates that those who complete the practice test generally perform better on test.

Do I get a break during the test?
Yes! You’re entitled to 2 optional breaks: one right after the video response section (1o minutes), and one after the first 4 scenarios of the typed response section (5 minutes).

How long will it take to receive your results?
Your results will be reported to the school(s) you have selected approximately 2 to 3 weeks after you write the test. It will then take some extra time for the university to assess your scores and do a final evaluation.

How long are my assessment results valid for?
Your results are only valid for a single application cycle, and only for the program type for which you completed the assessment(s).

Can you retake the test?
Unfortunately, no, applicants are not permitted to re-take a Casper test (for the same country and program area) more than once per admissions cycle.

Is it the same test as required for Canadian schools?
No, the test is specific to each university and program. Tests taken for another program area or geographical region will not be valid for Australian applications.

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If you have any questions about the Casper, please let us know. We’re here to help! Contact us at info@oztrekk.com or call us toll free in Canada at 1-866-698-7355.

 

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