Top 5 CASPer Test Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Worried about the CASPer test? Avoid these 5 common mistakes that lower your score—from unstructured answers to weak video delivery—and learn how to respond clearly, thoughtfully, and with empathy under pressure.
Top 5 Mistakes Students Make on the CASPer Test
The CASPer test can catch even high-achieving students off guard. It’s not about memorizing content or solving equations—it’s about how you respond to tough, people-centered scenarios under pressure. And with time limits, open-ended questions, and unpredictable prompts, it’s easy to fall into common traps that lower your score.
If you’re preparing for CASPer, avoiding these 5 mistakes can make the difference between an average response and one that stands out to evaluators.
1. Writing Too Much Without Structure
The mistake: Many students panic when the timer starts and try to write everything they can think of in a rush. The result? Walls of text with no clear point, jumping from idea to idea without organization.
Why it matters: CASPer raters are trained to look for clear, concise thinking. An unstructured answer makes it hard for them to follow your reasoning—even if your ideas are good.
How to avoid it: Use a simple framework to organize your response. For ethical or situational questions, a structure like SPIES (Stakeholders, Problem, Implications, Ethical principles, Solution) helps you cover all angles. For opinion or reflection-based questions, PREP (Point, Reason, Example, Point again) keeps your answer focused and persuasive.
Stick to one core idea per paragraph, and avoid trying to say everything at once. Clear writing reflects clear thinking.
2. Ignoring the Emotional or Human Side of the Scenario
The mistake: Some students focus only on the “problem-solving” part of the scenario and forget to acknowledge the emotions or experiences of the people involved.
Why it matters: CASPer isn’t just evaluating your logic—it’s evaluating your empathy, compassion, and interpersonal awareness. Skipping over the human element makes you sound detached or overly clinical.
How to avoid it: Always take a moment to reflect on how the people in the scenario might be feeling. Use phrases like:
- “I would take time to listen and make sure they feel heard.”
- “It’s important to recognize how difficult this situation might be for them.”
- “I would validate their concerns before offering any advice.”
Empathy doesn’t mean agreeing with everyone—it means showing that you understand and respect different perspectives.
3. Giving Passive or Avoidant Responses
The mistake: It’s common to say things like “I would tell a supervisor and let them handle it” or “I’d wait to see what happens first.” While these might feel safe, they can come across as indecisive or lacking initiative.
Why it matters: CASPer wants to see that you are willing to engage constructively with difficult situations. Avoidant answers can make you seem unwilling to act or support others.
How to avoid it: Show that you’re thoughtful and proactive. Even if a situation is above your authority, you can still demonstrate leadership. For example:
- “I would speak privately with the person involved and express my concern, then consider escalating it if needed.”
- “If I didn’t feel comfortable addressing it directly, I’d still make sure the issue was brought to someone’s attention safely and respectfully.”
Take responsibility where appropriate—and show that you care about outcomes.
4. Running Out of Time
The mistake: You start writing your first answer… then realize you only have 30 seconds left to answer questions 2 and 3. This is one of the most common pitfalls in the typed section.
Why it matters: Each station has 2–3 questions, and leaving one blank hurts your score. Raters don’t just evaluate your best answer—they look at your overall performance across questions and sections.
How to avoid it: Practice with a timer. Aim to write 2–4 sentences per answer, not a full essay. Manage your time by pre-planning how long you’ll spend per question: around 70–90 seconds each for a 3-question station.
For video questions, rehearse 1-minute responses out loud. Focus on staying calm and getting to your point early, so you don’t get cut off mid-thought.
5. Not Practicing the Video Section at All
The mistake: Many students spend all their time practicing written responses and leave the video section to chance. Then on test day, they freeze in front of the camera or rush through their answer.
Why it matters: The video section is scored just like the written one—and your tone, pacing, and presence matter. Raters want to see that you can communicate clearly and confidently under pressure.
How to avoid it: Set up your webcam and record yourself answering sample questions. Focus on:
- Speaking at a calm, steady pace
- Making eye contact with the camera
- Pausing briefly to gather your thoughts before speaking
- Avoiding filler words like “um,” “like,” or “you know”
It doesn’t have to be perfect. Aim for genuine, well-organized, and empathetic responses, even if they’re a little rough around the edges.
👉🏻 Learn more tips on Myls Learn CASPer course space
Final Takeaway
CASPer isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. It’s about being the most thoughtful, balanced, and human. The test rewards students who:
- Stay calm under pressure
- Think through situations clearly
- Communicate with empathy and structure
- Take ownership without overstepping
Avoiding these common mistakes is one of the easiest ways to boost your performance. Practice with real scenarios, reflect on your personal values, and focus on clarity over complexity. You don’t need perfect answers—just thoughtful ones.
Ready to boost your CASPer score?
Study CASPer on Myls Learn and Start practicing on Myls Interview to build confidence, improve your answers, and perform your best on test day.
