Casper Test for Admissions at Macquarie University

The Casper (Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) test is an online situational judgment test used by some universities, including Macquarie University, as part of their admissions process for specific courses. It is designed to evaluate key personal and professional characteristics that are considered important for success in people-centered professions.

What is the Casper Test?

The Casper test is administered by Acuity Insights and assesses non-academic attributes. Here are its key features:

• Format: It is an open-response test consisting of a series of video-based and word-based hypothetical scenarios. After each scenario, you are asked a set of probing questions.
• Duration: The test typically takes between 90 to 110 minutes to complete, including optional breaks.
• Delivery: It is completed online using a computer with a webcam and microphone.
• Assessed Qualities: Casper aims to assess traits such as:
  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Empathy
  • Ethics
  • Fairness
  • Motivation
  • Problem-solving
  • Professionalism
  • Resilience
  • Self-awareness
• Structure: The test is divided into two main sections:
  1. Video Response Section: You will watch video-based scenarios and then record your verbal responses to questions, typically having one minute to answer each question.
  2. Typed Response Section: You will encounter both video-based and text-based scenarios. For each scenario, you will type your responses to a set of three questions, usually within a five-minute time limit for all three questions.
• Scoring: Each section of your test is scored by a different human rater who has been trained to evaluate Casper responses. Raters are typically from the region or country of the applicant (e.g., Australian raters for Australian applicants). You will not receive your specific score; instead, your results are sent directly to the institutions you select.
• Purpose: Universities use Casper to gain a more holistic view of applicants beyond academic grades, aiming to identify individuals with suitable personal and professional qualities for demanding professions. The scenarios are generally not specific to any single profession but present everyday ethical or challenging situations.

Macquarie University Courses Requiring Casper

As of early 2025, the primary course at Macquarie University that explicitly requires the Casper test as a mandatory part of the admission process is:

1. Doctor of Physiotherapy:
   • All applicants for the Doctor of Physiotherapy program must complete the Casper test.
   • For this program, the Casper score is a significant component of the selection process. Applicant ranking is typically based on a combination of your Weighted Average Mark (WAM) from previous studies (50%) and your Casper test score (50%).
   • You must register for the “AUS Postgraduate Health Sciences (CSP-20411)” version of the Casper test.
   • Your Casper test must have been completed within the 12 months prior to the commencement date of the course.
2. Medicine (Doctor of Medicine – MD):
   • The admission requirements for Macquarie University’s Doctor of Medicine (MD) program primarily emphasize GPA, GAMSAT (or MCAT for certain international applicants), and a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI).
   • While some Australian graduate medical programs do use Casper as a hurdle or component, current detailed information for Macquarie’s MD program does not consistently list Casper as a mandatory requirement for all applicants in the same way it is for Physiotherapy.
   • Applicants to medicine should always verify the most current admission requirements directly with Macquarie University or through the relevant application portals (e.g., GEMSAS for domestic graduate medical applicants) as criteria can be updated. If Casper is required for a specific medical entry pathway, this will be clearly stated in the official admission guidelines for that year.

How Casper is Used in the Admission Process at Macquarie

• For Doctor of Physiotherapy:
  • Mandatory Component: Completion of the Casper test is compulsory. Applications without a Casper score will not be considered.
  • Ranking: As mentioned, the Casper score contributes 50% to the ranking of applicants, with the other 50% coming from academic performance (WAM).
  • Holistic Review: It helps the university assess personal and professional attributes that are crucial for a career in physiotherapy but are not typically measured by academic transcripts alone.
  • Fairness and Objectivity: The university utilizes Casper as part of its efforts to enhance fairness and objectivity in the selection process.

Practical Information for Applicants

If you are required to take the Casper test for admission to Macquarie University:

• Registration:
  • Visit the official Acuity Insights website (takecasper.com) to create an account and register for a test.
  • You will need a piece of government-issued photo ID.
  • Use the same email address that you are using for your university application.
  • For the Doctor of Physiotherapy, ensure you select the correct test type: AUS Postgraduate Health Sciences (CSP-20411).
  • You will need your UAC ID (for domestic applicants) or your Macquarie Student ID (for international applicants) when registering.
• Test Dates and Deadlines:
  • Test dates are scheduled in line with university admission timelines. There are a limited number of test dates available.
  • It is crucial to register for a test date well in advance of application deadlines. Booking at least 3 days before your preferred test date is recommended.
  • Ensure you select Macquarie University (and the specific program, e.g., Doctor of Physiotherapy) for score distribution before the specified distribution deadline.
• Technical Requirements:
  • A desktop or laptop computer (smartphones and tablets are not supported).
  • A working webcam and microphone.
  • A reliable high-speed internet connection.
• Preparation:
  • The best way to prepare is to familiarize yourself with the test format. Acuity Insights provides a full sample test in your account once you register.
  • Practice thinking through how you would respond to various ethical or interpersonal dilemmas. Focus on explaining the reasoning behind your decisions and actions.
  • While good grammar and spelling are helpful, the primary focus of evaluation is the content and substance of your responses.
  • No specific subject knowledge is required, as the scenarios are designed to be general.
• Test Cost:
  • There is a fee to take the Casper test, and an additional fee for each institution you request your results to be sent to. Check the Acuity Insights website for current fees.
• Receiving Results:
  • You will not receive your individual Casper score.
  • Your results will be sent directly to Macquarie University (and any other institutions you selected) approximately 2-3 weeks after your test date.
• Validity and Retakes:
  • Casper test results are generally valid for one admissions cycle only.
  • You cannot retake the Casper test in the same admissions cycle for the same test type (e.g., AUS Postgraduate Health Sciences).

Recommendations

• Check Official Sources: Always refer to the official Macquarie University website and relevant program admission guides for the most up-to-date information on Casper requirements, test dates, and deadlines.
• Prepare for the Format: Utilize the practice materials provided by Acuity Insights to become comfortable with the test structure and timing.
• Book Early: Due to limited test dates and the time required for results processing, book your Casper test as early as possible within the testing window for your application cycle.

By understanding the purpose and format of the Casper test, and by preparing appropriately, you can effectively demonstrate your personal and professional qualities as part of your application to Macquarie University.