Casper SJT at the University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA)

The University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA) utilizes the Casper Situational Judgement Test as a mandatory component of its admissions process for the postgraduate Doctor of Medicine (MD) program offered at both its Fremantle, Western Australia (UNDF) and Sydney, New South Wales (UNDS) campuses. For prospective medical students targeting these highly competitive programs, successfully completing the Casper test within the designated timeframe is not optional; it’s a prerequisite for application eligibility.  

Understanding the Casper Test

Casper is an online assessment developed and administered by Acuity Insights. It is specifically designed to evaluate a range of non-academic personal and professional attributes considered vital for success in demanding, people-oriented fields like medicine. The test presents applicants with a series of realistic hypothetical scenarios, delivered via video clips or text passages. These scenarios often involve complex ethical dilemmas or challenging interpersonal situations. Applicants must provide typed, open-ended responses to questions related to each scenario, working within strict time limits.  

The core competencies assessed by Casper include:

• Ethics and Professionalism
• Empathy and Compassion
• Communication skills (written)
• Collaboration and Teamwork
• Equity and Fairness
• Problem-Solving and Judgement
• Resilience and Adaptability
• Self-Awareness

By evaluating these traits, Casper aims to provide the UNDA School of Medicine admissions committee with a more holistic understanding of each applicant, complementing traditional academic metrics like Grade Point Average (GPA) and aptitude scores from the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test (GAMSAT).  

The Crucial Role of Casper in UNDA MD Admissions

At UNDA, the Casper score is not just a tick-box exercise; it plays a significant and clearly defined role in the selection process, impacting both the invitation to interview and the final offer of a place.

1. Interview Selection: UNDA uses a specific formula to rank applicants for an invitation to the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). The Casper score constitutes a substantial portion of this ranking:
   • Casper Score: 30%
   • GAMSAT Score: 30% (typically an unweighted average of the three sections)
   • Grade Point Average (GPA): 30% (from a valid qualifying degree)
   • Bonus Points: 10% (awarded for specific criteria such as rural background, completion of a Higher Degree by Research (HDR), and, uniquely for UNDF applicants, WA residency status). This explicit 30% weighting underscores the importance of a strong Casper performance in securing an interview spot.
2. Final Offer Determination: Unlike some universities where Casper’s direct influence might cease after the interview stage, at UNDA, the pre-interview ranking (which includes the 30% Casper contribution) carries forward. The final ranking for an offer into the MD program is calculated as follows:
   • MMI Performance: 50%
   • Pre-interview Rank: 50% (This rank is based on the combined, weighted scores of GAMSAT, GPA, Casper, and any applicable bonus points). Therefore, a high Casper score not only increases the likelihood of receiving an interview invitation but also directly contributes to the final ranking for a place in the highly sought-after MD program.

Logistical Aspects for Applicants

• Registration: Applicants must register for the Casper test directly via the Acuity Insights website (takecasper.com or acuityinsights.app).  
• Required ID: A valid GAMSAT ID is necessary to register for the Casper test when applying to UNDA.
• Test Dates: UNDA typically requires Casper to be completed within a specific testing window, usually aligned with the GEMSAS (Graduate Entry Medical Schools Admissions System) timeline. For the 2026 intake, test dates would likely fall between March and June 2025. As today is May 2, 2025, prospective applicants should check the Acuity Insights website promptly for remaining available dates within the required window.  
• Score Distribution: During registration, applicants must select both the University of Notre Dame – Fremantle and/or the University of Notre Dame – Sydney, depending on their application preferences, to ensure their scores are automatically transmitted to the university.
• Cost: Fees apply for taking the Casper test and for each institution selected for score distribution.
• Preparation: Acuity Insights offers practice tests and resources to help applicants familiarize themselves with the test format and timing.  

Based on the information provided about the Casper SJT requirement at the University of Notre Dame Australia (UNDA), using mock tests is an extremely valuable preparation strategy for candidates applying to the Doctor of Medicine (MD) program at either the Fremantle (UNDF) or Sydney (UNDS) campus. Here’s a breakdown of how mock tests help, specifically addressing UNDA’s process:

1. Addressing the High Stakes and Explicit Weighting:
   • UNDA Context: The text explicitly states Casper isn’t just a hurdle but plays a “significant and clearly defined role.” Crucially, it accounts for 30% of the ranking score for interview selection and subsequently contributes to 50% of the final offer ranking (via the pre-interview rank).
   • Mock Test Benefit: Knowing the precise, substantial weighting (30% for interview ranking) highlights the need for targeted preparation. Mock tests allow candidates to focus specifically on maximizing their performance in this component. Practice helps refine the skills needed to achieve a score that significantly boosts their chances not only of getting an interview but also of securing a final place, given Casper’s ongoing influence in the final ranking.
2. Mastering the Format and Reducing Anxiety:
   • UNDA Context: Casper is mandatory, online, presents video/text scenarios, and requires timed typed responses.
   • Mock Test Benefit: Mock tests replicate this environment, demystifying the process. Candidates become familiar with the Acuity Insights platform, the flow of scenarios, and the pressure of timed typing. This reduces anxiety and ensures they can focus on the content rather than the mechanics during the actual test, which is vital for a non-optional requirement.
3. Demonstrating Required Non-Academic Competencies:
   • UNDA Context: UNDA uses Casper to assess key competencies like Ethics, Empathy, Communication, Collaboration, Problem-Solving, etc., providing a holistic view beyond GPA/GAMSAT.
   • Mock Test Benefit: Practice scenarios are designed to probe these specific competencies. By working through mock tests, applicants learn to structure their responses to effectively showcase these desired traits. They practice articulating ethical reasoning, demonstrating empathy, and outlining collaborative solutions in a way that aligns with what the UNDA admissions committee values.
4. Developing Critical Time Management Skills:
   • UNDA Context: The test involves “strict time limits” for formulating and typing responses to open-ended questions.
   • Mock Test Benefit: Mock tests enforce these time constraints. Candidates learn to think critically, organize their thoughts coherently, and type efficiently within the few minutes allotted per set of questions. This practice is crucial for ensuring they can adequately address all parts of each prompt in the real test.
5. Building Confidence for a “Critical Hurdle”:
   • UNDA Context: The text identifies Casper as a “critical hurdle.” Successfully completing it is a prerequisite for eligibility.
   • Mock Test Benefit: Repeated exposure via mock tests builds familiarity and confidence. Knowing what to expect and having practiced response strategies significantly reduces the stress associated with this mandatory and heavily weighted component, allowing candidates to perform more effectively.
6. Aligning with Recommended Preparation:
   • UNDA Context: The text notes that Acuity Insights (the Casper provider) offers practice tests and resources.
   • Mock Test Benefit: Using mock tests, particularly the official ones provided by Acuity Insights, directly follows the recommended preparation pathway.

Conclusion

For applicants aspiring to study Medicine at the University of Notre Dame Australia in either Fremantle or Sydney, the Casper SJT is a critical hurdle. Its significant weighting in both the interview selection process (30%) and its contribution to the final offer rank (via the 50% weighting of the pre-interview rank) makes it a high-stakes component of the application. A strong performance is essential. Prospective students must meticulously check the official UNDA School of Medicine admissions guides and the Acuity Insights website for the most current information regarding test dates, registration deadlines, required IDs, and any procedural updates for their intended year of entry.