Looking for CASPer test prep and CASPer practice questions? You have come to the right place! The CASPer test, also known as the Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics, is a required admission test for many medical schools. The test assesses 10 non-cognitive skills: collaboration, communication, equity, ethics, empathy, problem solving, professionalism, resilience and self-awareness. It is used as a tool to evaluate applicants beyond their grades and test scores. Let’s look at how you can ace the CASPer test!
What is the CASPer Test?
The CASPer test is a computer-based assessment that takes approximately 90-120 minutes to complete. The test consists of 15 video and written scenarios that evaluate personal and professional characteristics. These scenarios may include ethical dilemmas, interactions with patients or colleagues, and challenges that healthcare professionals may face in their careers. You will be asked to respond to questions about these scenarios, either by text or on camera!
Why is the CASPer Test Important?
Medical schools use the CASPer test as part of their admissions process because they want to ensure that they are admitting individuals who have the personal and professional characteristics required to succeed in the medical field. The test assesses traits such as empathy, emotional intelligence, communication skills, and ethics, which are all critical for success in the medical profession.
CASPer Test Prep: How to Prepare
- Familiarize yourself with the format: Before taking the CASPer test, it’s important to understand the format and what to expect. Familiarize yourself with the types of scenarios you may encounter, and practice writing responses in a timed setting to simulate the test environment.
- Brush up on ethics and professionalism: The CASPer test assesses your understanding of ethics and professionalism, so it’s important to brush up on these topics before the test. Read up on ethical dilemmas that medical professionals may face, and familiarize yourself with professional codes of conduct.
- Practice active listening and empathy: The CASPer test assesses your ability to communicate effectively and to show empathy. Practice active listening and try to put yourself in other people’s shoes to improve your ability to respond to the scenarios in a way that demonstrates your empathy.
- Get feedback: Practice writing responses to the scenarios, and get feedback from others on your responses. This can help you to identify areas for improvement and to develop stronger responses.
Tips for Taking the CASPer Test and Guiding Your CASPer Test Prep
- Read the scenario carefully: Before responding to a scenario, take the time to read it carefully and understand the situation.
- Respond quickly: You only have a limited amount of time to respond to each scenario, so it’s important to respond quickly and not get bogged down by overthinking.
- Be concise and clear: Your responses should be clear and concise, and should focus on the key points of the scenario.
- Show empathy and professionalism: Remember that the CASPer test is assessing your empathy and professionalism, so make sure that your responses demonstrate these qualities.
CASPer Test Prep: 15 CASPer Practice Questions
You are volunteering at a local homeless shelter and are approached by a resident who is upset about a recent rule change that affects their daily routine. The resident is being loud and disruptive, and other residents are starting to get involved in the situation. How would you handle this situation?
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- How would you approach the resident and engage in effective communication to understand their perspective and needs?
- How would you work with the shelter staff to resolve the situation in a fair and respectful manner?
- How would you de-escalate the situation to maintain a calm and supportive environment for all residents?
You are on a mission trip to a remote village and come across a child who is suffering from a serious medical condition. The child’s parents are concerned and hesitant about seeking medical treatment due to cultural and language barriers. How would you respond to the situation?
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- How would you assess the child’s medical condition and determine the best course of action?
- How would you communicate with the child’s parents and address their concerns to build trust and rapport?
- How would you work with the local healthcare providers to ensure that the child receives the necessary medical treatment?
You are a member of a team working on a group project for a course, and one team member is consistently not contributing their fair share of the work. How would you handle this situation?
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- How would you address the issue with the team member to ensure that everyone is contributing equally to the project?
- How would you resolve any conflicts that may arise and maintain a positive team dynamic?
- How would you motivate the team member to increase their engagement and involvement in the project?
You are working in a busy emergency department and are faced with a difficult decision when two patients arrive at the same time, both in need of immediate attention. One patient is an elderly individual with a serious heart condition, while the other is a young child with a broken limb. How would you prioritize their care?
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- How would you assess the medical urgency of each patient and determine the appropriate course of action?
- How would you communicate with the patients and their families to ensure that they understand the situation and your decision-making process?
- How would you balance the ethical considerations and medical necessities to make the best decision for both patients.
You are on a clinical rotation in a rural community and are working with a physician who has different cultural and clinical beliefs than you do. The physician is dismissive of your input and suggestions, and is not open to alternative approaches. How would you handle this situation?
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- How would you address the physician’s behavior and maintain a professional and respectful demeanor?
- How would you work with the physician to reconcile your different perspectives and approaches?
- How would you ensure that the patients receive the best possible care despite the challenges posed by the physician’s behavior.
A student has come to you seeking advice about a difficult decision they need to make regarding their future career plans. They are feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about what path to take.
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- How would you listen and empathize with the student to understand their perspective and concerns?
- How would you provide guidance and resources to help the student weigh their options and make an informed decision?
- How would you support the student through the decision-making process and help build their confidence in their choice?
A coworker has approached you with a problem they are having with a project they are working on. They are feeling stressed and frustrated, and are having trouble finding a solution.
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- How would you listen to the coworker’s problem and understand their perspective?
- How would you collaborate with the coworker to find creative solutions and overcome the challenges they are facing?
- How would you provide support and encouragement to the coworker to help them stay motivated and maintain a positive attitude throughout the project?
A team member is struggling to meet the deadline for an important project due to personal challenges outside of work.
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- How would you approach the team member and understand the situation they are facing?
- How would you work with the team member to find alternative solutions and accommodate their needs?
- How would you collaborate with other team members to ensure the project stays on track and meets the deadline?
You have been asked to mediate a disagreement between two coworkers over a project they are working on together.
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- How would you approach the situation and understand each coworkers’ perspective and concerns?
- How would you facilitate a productive and respectful discussion to find a mutually beneficial solution?
- How would you follow up with the coworkers to ensure the agreement is upheld and the project progresses smoothly?
A friend has come to you for support as they are dealing with a difficult personal situation.
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- How would you listen and empathize with your friend to understand their perspective and concerns?
- How would you provide emotional support and resources to help your friend through their difficult time?
- How would you follow up with your friend to ensure they have the ongoing support they need and are making progress towards resolving their situation?
A neighbour has come to you seeking advice on how to manage their chronic pain. They are feeling frustrated and hopeless, and have tried multiple treatments without success.
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- How would you listen to the patient and understand their perspective and concerns?
- How would you work with the patient to explore alternative treatment options and find a personalized solution that works for them?
- How would you support the patient through their journey to manage their chronic pain and maintain a positive outlook?
A community organization has approached you for help with a problem they are facing. They are struggling to attract volunteers for a crucial event and need support to make it a success.
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- How would you listen to the organization’s needs and understand their perspective and concerns?
- How would you work with the organization to find creative solutions to attract volunteers and ensure the event is successful?
- How would you follow up with the organization to assess the outcome of the event and provide support for future events?
You have been approached by a co-worker who has been the target of bullying in the workplace. They are feeling stressed and unsupported, and are considering quitting their job.
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- How would you approach the co-worker and understand the situation they are facing?
- How would you work with the co-worker to find a solution that addresses the bullying and provides a supportive work environment?
- How would you follow up with the co-worker to ensure they have the support they need and are feeling valued in their workplace?
You are a member of a planning committee for a large community event. One member of the committee is not contributing to the planning process and is causing frustration for other members.
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- How would you approach the member of the committee and understand their perspective and reasons for not contributing?
- How would you work with the member to find a solution that allows them to contribute to the planning process and ensures the success of the event?
- How would you reflect on the situation and identify areas for personal growth and improvement in your own communication and collaboration skills?
A close friend has confided in you about a gambling addiction that has spiraled out of control. They have depleted their savings, accumulated significant debt, and are facing financial ruin. They feel overwhelmed and ashamed, and are unsure about how to seek help.
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- How would you listen to your friend and understand their perspective and concerns?
- How would you work with your friend to find resources and support to help them overcome their problem?
- How would you reflect on your own experiences and values to provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for your friend?
Conclusion
The CASPer test is an important admission test for many medical schools, and is used to evaluate applicants beyond their grades and test scores. To prepare for the test, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the format, brush up on ethics and professionalism, practice active listening and empathy, and get feedback on your responses. On the day of the test, make sure to read the scenarios carefully, respond quickly, be concise and clear, and show empathy and professionalism in your responses.
