Are you allowed to take notes during Casper? This is a question that often arises among students and participants who are preparing for the Casper Clinical Assessment for Selection (CASC). The CASC is a standardized assessment used by medical schools to evaluate the non-cognitive attributes of applicants, including communication skills, empathy, and professionalism. Understanding whether or not you are permitted to take notes during this important assessment can significantly impact your performance and overall experience.
The Casper assessment is designed to be a simulation of a clinical encounter, where candidates are presented with a patient scenario and are required to respond to a series of questions. The duration of the assessment is typically 60 minutes, and it is conducted in a one-on-one setting with a trained interviewer. During this time, candidates are expected to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively, show empathy, and provide thoughtful responses to the patient’s concerns.
Regarding the use of notes, the official guidelines from the Casper Assessment Centre state that candidates are not allowed to take notes during the assessment. This is because the purpose of the CASC is to evaluate your ability to think on your feet and respond to new information without the aid of pre-prepared notes. The assessment aims to assess your innate communication and problem-solving skills, rather than your ability to recall information from a written source.
However, this does not mean that you should go into the assessment completely unprepared. It is still essential to familiarize yourself with the types of scenarios that may be presented during the CASC. You can do this by reviewing past patient scenarios and practicing your responses. Additionally, it is helpful to develop a structured approach to answering questions, such as using the “STAR” method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to ensure that your responses are clear and concise.
While you may not be able to take notes during the actual assessment, there are some strategies you can employ to help you remember key information. One approach is to practice active listening during the scenario presentation. By paying close attention to the details of the patient’s story, you can better recall the information when it comes time to answer questions. Another technique is to visualize the scenario in your mind, which can help you retain the information more effectively.
It is also important to note that the Casper assessment is not solely about the content of the patient scenarios. The assessors are looking for a holistic picture of your abilities, including your communication style, empathy, and professionalism. Therefore, it is crucial to approach the assessment with confidence and a positive attitude, even if you are not allowed to take notes.
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Are you allowed to take notes during Casper?” is a resounding no. However, this does not mean that you should go into the assessment unprepared. By familiarizing yourself with the types of scenarios, practicing active listening, and developing a structured approach to answering questions, you can increase your chances of performing well on the CASC. Remember, the assessors are evaluating your overall communication and problem-solving skills, so approach the assessment with confidence and a positive mindset.
