Casper SJT at Murdoch University: A Key Component for Veterinary Science

Murdoch University utilizes the Casper Situational Judgement Test as a significant and mandatory component of the admissions process for its highly sought-after Veterinary Science program: the Bachelor of Science / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (course code B1402). For all students seeking entry into this program for the 2026 intake, successful completion of the Casper assessment is essential. Failure to complete the test and have the score distributed to Murdoch University can invalidate an application.  

What is Casper and Why is it Used for Veterinary Science?

Casper is an online situational judgement test administered by Acuity Insights. It evaluates non-academic personal and professional characteristics crucial for success in demanding, people-and-animal-focused professions like veterinary medicine. The test uses realistic video and text-based scenarios depicting challenging ethical, interpersonal, or professional situations relevant to the field. Applicants provide typed, open-ended responses under timed conditions.  

For Veterinary Science at Murdoch, Casper helps assess attributes such as:

• Empathy and compassion (towards both animals and their owners)
• Communication skills (especially in difficult conversations)
• Ethical reasoning and professional judgement
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Resilience and ability to handle stress
• Problem-solving in complex situations
• Equity and cultural sensitivity

By evaluating these qualities, Casper provides the admissions committee with valuable insights into an applicant’s suitability for the veterinary profession, complementing academic achievements.

Casper’s Significant Role in Murdoch Veterinary Science Admissions

Unlike some programs where Casper might function primarily as a simple hurdle, at Murdoch University for Veterinary Science, the Casper score plays a substantial, weighted role in the selection process:

1. Mandatory Requirement: All applicants (domestic and international) must complete the Casper test.  
2. Specific Test Version: Applicants must specifically undertake the undergraduate version of the Casper test designated for Veterinary Science.
3. Significant Weighting: For 2026 entry, the Casper score (expressed as a Z-score) contributes 30% towards the applicant’s pre-interview admissions score. This score is used alongside academic results to rank candidates for interview offers.  
4. Minimum Threshold: Applicants must achieve a Casper Z-score above -1.75. A score lower than this threshold is an exclusion criterion, meaning the application will not proceed further, regardless of academic results.
5. Single Attempt: Applicants can only sit the Casper test once per admissions cycle for entry in a given year.  

This clear weighting and minimum threshold underscore the importance Murdoch University places on the non-academic attributes assessed by Casper.

Logistics for Murdoch Veterinary Science Applicants

• Registration: Applicants must register for the Casper test directly via the Acuity Insights website (takecasper.com or acuityinsights.app).
• Test Dates: Murdoch University specifies a testing window. For 2026 entry, four test sessions are offered between March and August 2025. The final test date is August 5, 2025. Given today’s date, May 2, 2025, prospective applicants still have several opportunities to sit the test within this window but should register well in advance.
• Required IDs: During registration, applicants need to provide one of the following identifiers:
  • 8-digit TISC ID (Tertiary Institutions Service Centre)  
  • 8-digit Murdoch University Student ID (if applicable)
  • 6-digit Applicant ID (typically for international students who do not yet have a Murdoch ID).  
• Score Distribution: It is crucial to select Murdoch University during registration to ensure Acuity Insights sends the score report directly to the university’s admissions team.  
• Costs: Applicants are responsible for paying the Casper test fee and the fee for distributing the score to Murdoch University (and any other institutions they select).
• Accommodations: Applicants requiring testing accommodations (e.g., due to learning difficulties) should apply directly to Acuity Insights well before their chosen test date.
• Preparation: Acuity Insights provides practice materials and resources to help applicants familiarize themselves with the test format and requirements.  

Casper for Other Murdoch Courses

Based on current information, the mandatory Casper requirement at Murdoch University appears to be specific to the Bachelor of Science / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. Applicants interested in other courses at Murdoch should verify admission requirements directly with the university, as Casper is not typically required across all programs.  

Based on the provided information detailing Casper SJT requirements for Murdoch University’s Veterinary Science program (Bachelor of Science / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine – B1402), using mock tests for preparation is highly advantageous for applicants. Here’s how practice specifically helps in the Murdoch context:

1. Targeting the 30% Pre-Interview Weighting:
   • Murdoch Context: The text explicitly states the Casper Z-score contributes a significant 30% to the pre-interview score, which is used alongside academic results to rank candidates for interview offers.
   • Mock Test Benefit: This substantial weighting makes Casper a critical area for optimization. Mock tests allow candidates to hone their responses to different scenario types, focusing on demonstrating the required attributes effectively. Practice directly helps applicants improve their potential score, aiming to maximize this 30% contribution and strengthen their position in the ranking for an interview.
2. Aiming to Exceed the Minimum Threshold:
   • Murdoch Context: A Casper Z-score below -1.75 acts as an exclusion criterion, meaning the application will not proceed.
   • Mock Test Benefit: Regular practice helps improve overall performance and response quality. By becoming familiar with the test demands and refining their approach, candidates increase their likelihood of achieving a score safely above the minimum cut-off, ensuring this component doesn’t prematurely end their application.
3. Preparing for the Single Attempt:
   • Murdoch Context: Applicants only get one chance to sit the Casper test per admissions cycle for Murdoch Vet Science.
   • Mock Test Benefit: The ‘one shot’ nature makes thorough preparation essential. Mock tests allow candidates to experience the full test format, timing, and pressure before their single official attempt. This reduces the risk of underperformance due to unfamiliarity or nerves, making the most of their only opportunity.
4. Demonstrating Veterinary-Specific Suitability:
   • Murdoch Context: Casper is used to assess attributes crucial for veterinary medicine, such as empathy towards both animals and owners, communication in difficult situations, ethical reasoning relevant to animal care, and resilience. Applicants must sit the undergraduate version for Vet Science.
   • Mock Test Benefit: Practice with mock scenarios allows candidates to consciously apply these principles. They can practice formulating responses that show understanding of animal welfare, client communication challenges, and the ethical dilemmas specific to the veterinary profession, demonstrating their suitability for Murdoch’s program. Using practice materials designed for the undergraduate test ensures relevance.
5. Mastering Format and Time Management:
   • Murdoch Context: The test is online, featuring video/text scenarios and requires timed, typed responses.
   • Mock Test Benefit: Mock tests provide vital practice with the Acuity Insights platform and the specific time constraints (e.g., 5 minutes for 3 questions). This helps candidates develop efficient strategies for analysing scenarios and typing clear, well-reasoned responses within the allotted time.
6. Building Confidence for a High-Stakes Test:
   • Murdoch Context: The combination of mandatory status, high weighting, minimum threshold, and single attempt makes Casper a particularly high-stakes component for Murdoch Vet Science applicants.
   • Mock Test Benefit: Successfully completing mock tests under simulated conditions builds confidence and reduces anxiety. This allows applicants to approach their official test calmly, focusing on demonstrating their best qualities.
7. Following Recommended Preparation:
   • Murdoch Context: The text explicitly states that Acuity Insights provides practice materials and their use is “strongly recommended.”
   • Mock Test Benefit: Engaging with mock tests directly aligns with the university’s advice, ensuring candidates are using recommended resources for preparation.

Conclusion

The Casper SJT is a critical and heavily weighted component of the admission process for aspiring veterinarians applying to Murdoch University’s Bachelor of Science / Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program. Contributing 30% to the pre-interview score and having a minimum score threshold, it significantly impacts an applicant’s chances of progressing to the interview stage. Prospective students must ensure they register for the correct undergraduate Casper test (Veterinary Science), complete it within the specified March-August 2025 window (noting the August 5th final deadline), provide the correct ID, and arrange for score distribution to Murdoch. Due to its importance, thorough preparation using the resources provided by Acuity Insights is strongly recommended.