CASPer Practice Questions

You are the professor at a university, and a student approaches you asking for a "strong" letter of recommendation. The student was caught cheating last year, and a colleague told you that he "threw a tantrum." If you did write the letter, would you mention what your colleague had said about the student, why or why not?

Before making a decision, I would try to gather as much information and personal observations about the student. I do not know the exact conversation that took place nor do i know if there was a possible miscommunication of the student's behavior. I also know that this letter will impact the academic future of this student, so I would be hesitant to make conclusions without know the student personally.

When selecting individuals for professional school, what do you think is more important: academic performance and standardized test scores or their ability to demonstrate professional-type behaviors across a variety of settings?

I believe both academic and professional type behaviors are important for professional schools. Academic performance demonstrates the students capability of handling vigorous material.

How have you managed conflict with a superior in the past?

In my workplace, a new manager's unfriendly behavior had a negative influence on my work. I began losing motivation and job satisfaction because of this. Eventually, I requested a private meeting with her and explained, in a calm manner, how I felt. To my surprise, she told me she was struggling with family problems at home and was not coping well. After that, she made an effort to be less critical and it gave me an opportunity to become more understanding.

"Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm"

Describe a time in your life when you failed.

When I received an F on my first chemistry test. It was very frustrating receiving that grade after the amount of hours I put into studying for the exam. I began losing hope of ever passing and thought I could not pursue my dream career without this class. However, I realized that giving up on my dream just because of one test should not be an option. I went to the professors office and reviewed over where I could have gone wrong. Following, I took his advice and studied little by little every day. The tests following, I was able to Ace each one.

Think of a time when you had to make a sacrifice in order to accomplish a goal.

Briefly describe the situation and the sacrifice you had to make.

When I was working at a clinic, I normally had a regular schedule from 9-5 helping out a doctor with her daily duties. However, there was a big move coming and the PA needed more help with patients.I had been inquiring about working with the PA previously as that was my field of interest. The only downside of working on the PA's side would be that I would work until 9, meaning almost 12 hour shifts some days. I decided to sacrifice my nights to help the PA with patients which allowed me familiarize myself with the profession.

Think of a time when you had to make a sacrifice in order to accomplish a goal.

Do you regret your decision to make this sacrifice? Why or why not?

I do not regret my decision to make this sacrifice as it allowed me to fall deeper in love with the profession of a PA. It also gave me a better understanding of the roles necessary to be a PA. Although I had to work longer days, I believe the benefits outweighed the cost.

Think of a time when you had to make a sacrifice in order to accomplish a goal.

What did you learn from this situation that can be applied to your future career?

I learned that I am capable of sacrificing short term discomfort in order to achieve my goals, especially if I deem that goal to be worth it. I understand that as a newly PA, I would not have the luxury of choosing my schedules, but I know I could sacrifice time to gain the experience I would need.

Describe a tine you had an ethical dilemma and how you resolved it

When I was taking a BLS course, I was seated at a desk that had one other person sitting there. Throughout the course, we took turns practicing the roles our instructor gave us. I noticed that the person sitting next to me had a hard time understanding the instructor as her first language was not english. I did the best I could to help translate information to her. However, it was not until the test came along at the end did she lean over to ask me to provide her the answers because she could not read english. It was here I was faced with a decision to give her answers or ignore. I knew that if I gave her answers not only would it be morally in correct but if she did not know how to do BLS then it would be potentially harmful for someone she interacts with who needs CPR outside of the class. With that I decided to kindly give her advise to ask the instructor if it would be okay to use a personal translator app on her phone to be able to answer the questions correctly. That way she is truly testing her knowledge if she is able to assess the situations correctly.

From time to time, we deal with conflict in some form.

Briefly describe a time when you experienced conflict. How did you react?

As a medical assistant in a clinic, I have encountered numerous upset patients. Specifically there was a patient who experienced pain following a procedure. The patient called yelling saying it was our fault and we had to fix the situation. I immediately put myself in the patients shoes and understood the hardships they may have been feeling. It is my responsibility to remain calm and understanding during these times so I listened and offered assistance where I could. After gathering information from her about the pain, I made sure to get some advice from the doctor before giving her some recommendations to alleviate their stress.

Consider a time when you faced a difficult situation.

What would you do differently if you experienced a similar situation again? Explain your answer.

Looking back I could have asked for more assistance from my peers rather than deal with it on my own. This took some time from other patients that were present in the clinic so allowing others to assist would decrease my stress and workload as well.

If you could choose any other career what would it be?

If I was not pursuing PA or anything healthcare related, I would love to be involved with animal and environmental conservation. I was always fascinated by animals ever since I was little, constantly watching any animal show that was on. There are many species facing extinction due to environmental changes. In many ways, it's similar to my desire to become a PA, I want to help those who are marginalized and underserved and protect their well-being.

What is your biggest strength?

The most common compliment or positive feedback I have received is on my cheerful attitude and friendliness. I really enjoy talking and working with others, which is part of the reason why I have chosen to pursue PA. Even when working long hours, I tend to be upbeat.

What type of feedback do you like to receive?

I believe good feedback involves both positive and negative reinforcement. Although I appreciate it when others point out things I have done well, I also like to know where I can improve to perform better.

"Do not follow where the path may lead" What does this quote teach you about leadership.

That leaders are innovative and form their own path to success. By following everyone else, one will only accomplish what everyone else has. In medicine, leaders have innovated new technologies like the Da Vinci robot to assist in surgeries, resulting in safer procedures for patients. Innovative thinking is how leaders find novel solutions and make the industry safer, more efficient, and accessible to the community.

While passing by a homeless man on the street, a $10 bill slips out of a passerby's pocket and lands on the homeless man's lap, and you notice. The homeless man is immediately overjoyed and pockets the money. He turns to you and tells you that this money will help him tremendously. The passerby has not noticed that they have dropped the money.

Do you alert the passerby of the situaiton?

I believe I would tell the homeless man first that I think what he has done is wrong and give him a chance to tell the passerby about the money. I would explain that I think by secretly taking the cash he is forgetting the value of having the money freely given to him as opposed to it being unknowingly taken. Although the money may benefit the homeless man more, it is still not morally right and by letting the passerby know, the homeless man may stand to gain a greater reward.

While passing by a homeless man on the street, a $10 bill slips out of a passerby's pocket and lands on the homeless man's lap, and you notice. The homeless man is immediately overjoyed and pockets the money. He turns to you and tells you that this money will help him tremendously. The passerby has not noticed that they have dropped the money.

Would you confront the homeless man?

I would not confront the homeless man, rather have a conversation with him about what happened. I believe explaining to him the value of the money vs the value of generosity may help him see the wrongdoing of his actions. Additionally, I would offer a greater reward to the man should he return it as well as help him to find alternative ways of making money and resources to help him reenter society as a functioning person.

While passing by a homeless man on the street, a $10 bill slips out of a passerby's pocket and lands on the homeless man's lap, and you notice. The homeless man is immediately overjoyed and pockets the money. He turns to you and tells you that this money will help him tremendously. The passerby has not noticed that they have dropped the money.

Would you react differently if the bill was $50 instead? If so, how?

No, I believe the principles of the matter is that stealing is wrong no matter the cash value. The value of generosity, however, is far greater and can have a better outcome and morally correct. The only difference is that I might offer more money to the homeless man if he elects to return the cash to the passerby.

You are trying to parallel park your car on a quiet street late at night when you hit the car right in front of you. There are no cameras on the street, there is no noticeable damage to the other car or yours, and there are no witnesses around.

If there was absolutely no way you would be caught, would you drive away?

Personally, i would not drive away. I have been on the other side of this situation in which someone did drive away and it was morally wrong. I was forced to may for damages that I did not do. In turn I would leave a note on the windshield with my contact information so that I can right my wrongs.

You are trying to parallel park your car on a quiet street late at night when you hit the car right in front of you. There are no cameras on the street, there is no noticeable damage to the other car or yours, and there are no witnesses around

Why do you think someone might choose to drive away?

In the moment, I believe a person gets frightened about having authority involved or in most cases cannot afford to pay for the damages they might have caused. These are the main reasons why people decide to flee from the scene.

If you friend was in you place and decided to drive away after hitting the other car and told you about it afterwards, what would you do?

I would have a conversation with them about how wrong it is to make someone else deal with the damages they made. I would encourage my friend to put themselves in the owner's of the other car's view so they can have a better understanding of what that person might be feelings. I would in the end advise my friend to try to find the owner to make things right

Your friend, Sammy, comes to you with a serious secret to share. Before revealing it to you, he tells you that he can no longer keep it to himself, and makes you promise that you will keep silent. Then, he informs you that he has committed a crime. Two days later while watching the news, you learn that someone has been arrested for Sammy's crime.

What would you do?

I would notify my friend about what I saw on the news and clarify whether it was the crime he confessed to me. If so, then I would advise my friend to do the right thing and confess to the police. I would advise him that confessing now and telling the truth is better than lying and later being caught.

Your friend, Sammy, comes to you with a serious secret to share. Before revealing it to you, he tells you that he can no longer keep it to himself, and makes you promise that you will keep silent. Then, he informs you that he has committed a crime. Two days later while watching the news, you learn that someone has been arrested for Sammy's crime.

Imagine Sammy was your brother. Would this change your reaction to the situation?

In all honesty, it would. I would be more protective and more sympathetic towards him knowing he is family. I believe it would make it more difficult to talk to my brother about confessing, but nonetheless I would still encourage him to confess. I might give him more time to confess than I would a friend because of the nature of him being family.

Your friend, Sammy, comes to you with a serious secret to share. Before revealing it to you, he tells you that he can no longer keep it to himself, and makes you promise that you will keep silent. Then, he informs you that he has committed a crime. Two days later while watching the news, you learn that someone has been arrested for Sammy's crime.

In you opinion, is it ever acceptable to break a promise?

I believe if the promise is hurting another person, especially keeping an innocent person incarserated then yes. There is more pain and trauma that arises from keeping that type of promise than good.

There are two people discussing the topic of taxpayers money. One suggests that using taxpayer money to avoid devastation by floods of residents near the water is unfair. They believe the money should be used to relocate the residents and focus the taxpayer's money on something that benefits the whole community rather than a select few. Whereas the other has a family member who resides near the water and does not believe it is fair to make a person pack all their belongings and move from a location they have lived their whole lives.

What do you think about the situation?

I believe I would try to gather as much information from both sides as possible. I would dig into the exact finances going to each party and weigh out the positives/negatives. It is important to make each party feel heard and understood. I would remain neutral to each party and assemble a meeting with the head groups of the community to discuss this matter. As I believe this is something not only one person should decide but rather a group based on its long lasting affects.

There are two people discussing the topic of taxpayers money. One suggests that using taxpayer money to avoid devastation by floods of residents near the water is unfair. They believe the money should be used to relocate the residents and focus the taxpayer's money on something that benefits the whole community rather than a select few. Whereas the other has a family member who resides near the water and does not believe it is fair to make a person pack all their belongings and move from a location they have lived their whole lives.

Imagine that the town's leaders decide to relocate the residents who live close to the river. What future potential impact might this decision have on the town and its residents? Please explain your answer.

I believe if the residents were relocated there might be a retaliation against the town's leaders. Not only that, but for future decisions, these residents that were relocated might be on high alert to where the tax payer's moneys are going. It is plausible to assume that one might ensure the money is always benefitting themselves in the future. I believe it can cause a domino affect if not addressed in a professional and compassionate way.

You are stranded on an island with four other people whom you do not know well. The group decides to split roles and tasks in order to figure out how to get help.

What is one object you think would help you adapt to this situation? Explain your response.

When stranded on an island with people you do not know well, the most appropriate course of action is to collaboratively discuss and decide roles based on skills and preferences. This approach ensures that each person's unique talents and preferences are considered, leading to a more effective and harmonious division of labor. Asserting leadership without group consensus can lead to resentment and inefficiency, while refusing to participate or letting others decide without any input from you can result in roles that are not suited to everyone's capabilities. Taking the time to discuss and negotiate roles can foster a sense of unity and cooperation among the group, which is crucial for survival in challenging situations.

You are stranded on an island with four other people whom you do not know well. The group decides to split roles and tasks in order to figure out how to get help.

How would you maintain a positive attitude in this situation? Explain your response.

In a difficult and rather frightening time like this, I would try to find comfort in the small things. Such as making a fire, finding wood, creating shelter, etc. These small goals can help a person remain positive in times like these. I think its also important to make positive connections with the people around you as human interactions are one of the most sought out relationships due to its release of serotonin.

You receive a text message from a friend you haven't talked to in over a year. You are glad to hear from him, but after an exchange of several messages, you realize that he is reaching out to ask you for a favor.

How would you respond to this friend's request? Explain your answer.

Knowing that there are personal situations that can always affect others, I would likely respond in a positive and friendly manner. I would not jump to conclusions. Instead, I would help out my friend and even ask to possibly rekindle the friendship by having lunch.

You receive a text message from a friend you haven't talked to in over a year. You are glad to hear from him, but after an exchange of several messages, you realize that he is reaching out to ask you for a favor.

You decide against helping your friend, but then he tells you that he has gone through a difficult time recently and lost many of his other friends. Does this change your previous decision? Explain why or why not.

In the event that I made an unfortunate decision to not help my friend and he told me about this hardship, I would likely regret my previous decision. It is important to not assume a person's feelings and be understanding. I like to always put myself in others shoes to truly understand the likelihood of something occurring; not only that, but to treat others as I would want to be treated.

You receive a text message from a friend you haven't talked to in over a year. You are glad to hear from him, but after an exchange of several messages, you realize that he is reaching out to ask you for a favor.

In all relationships there should always be a balance of compromise on both sides. Do you agree with this statement? Why or why not?

I do believe there should be a balance of compromise on both sides because if not a person may feel taken advantage of and hurt. For instance, in a romantic relationship if one partner is always saying positive affirmations to the other and never receiving any back, they may begin to overthink their relationship and even begin to pull away. This is what causes most arguments and eventually breakups because one person feels like they are dedicating more than the other.

You're part of a research team and another team member, Alex, confides in you that they have discovered inconsistencies in a colleague, John's, data that suggest data manipulation. Alex has asked for strict confidentiality as they fear John may retaliate. Notably, John is related to the lead researcher, who is known to favor him. While data integrity is crucial, you are also aware of the potential repercussions Alex may face, and your own position on the team may be at stake.

How would you handle Alex's request for confidentiality?

I would not automatically assume that John had manipulated the data. Instead, I would try to gather as much information about the alleged inconsistencies before making a decision. In the event that this was proven to be true about John, I would encourage Alex to speak to the lead researcher. It can be a bad look on the lead researcher if there was inconsistencies with a data they are overseeing so it is important to not assume there would not be repercussions made.

You're part of a research team and another team member, Alex, confides in you that they have discovered inconsistencies in a colleague, John's, data that suggest data manipulation. Alex has asked for strict confidentiality as they fear John may retaliate. Notably, John is related to the lead researcher, who is known to favor him. While data integrity is crucial, you are also aware of the potential repercussions Alex may face, and your own position on the team may be at stake.

What strategies would you employ to ensure the long-term integrity of your team's research?

Some strategies I would encourage would be team meetings where everyone reports research collecting data methods. This would not only ensure integrity but also allow others to learn different methods. This meeting could also allow for positive/negative feedback to be implemented in future studies. I believe it is also important to ensure ethicality throughout all aspects of research.

During a final group meeting before a project is due, one of your teammates, Sam, unexpectedly reveals that he has been struggling with personal issues throughout the project's duration. As a result, he hasn't been able to contribute much. No one in the group was aware of Sam's situation, but his lack of contribution has significantly increased the workload for everyone else. The deadline for the project is in two days, and there is still substantial work left. Two group members propose that anyone who didn't contribute significantly should not get credit.

How would you handle this situation to ensure a fair outcome?

In this situation I would try to remain neutral and listen to both concerns. I would understand how personal issues can interfere with school work and how those who did their school work can also have their own issues occurring but know how to better cope with them. I would suggest Sam to put in the work over the course of the next two days to make up his side of the project. I would also offer assistance to Sam for double checking work or in general knowing the circumstance that has occurred.

During a final group meeting before a project is due, one of your teammates, Sam, unexpectedly reveals that he has been struggling with personal issues throughout the project's duration. As a result, he hasn't been able to contribute much. No one in the group was aware of Sam's situation, but his lack of contribution has significantly increased the workload for everyone else. The deadline for the project is in two days, and there is still substantial work left. Two group members propose that anyone who didn't contribute significantly should not get credit.

Would your answer change if this wasn't the first time Sam has contributed less to a group project?

I think it is definitely something to consider if Sam had continuously contributed less to a group project. It is important to be a team player in these circumstance as people rely on you. By letting others down constantly, it leads to mistrust and dislike. If Sam continuously did not put in effort to help the group i would likely confront Sam about this and explain that if he did not put in the work, i would have no choice but to report this to the teacher.

You're a university TA and one of your top-performing students submits an assignment that is noticeably below their usual standard. You suspect personal issues may be affecting their academic performance, but discussing such matters can be inappropriate and sensitive. Interestingly, the student sends you an email requesting an extension on their next assignment, citing personal issues that affected their work.

How would you handle this scenario in relation to grading this assignment and considering the request for an extension?

I believe I would respond by explaining that I understand there can be personal issues that may arise affecting academic performances; however, it is important to know when it is repeatedly causing a negative affect. I would offer suggestions of way to seek help if it continues.

You're a university TA and one of your top-performing students submits an assignment that is noticeably below their usual standard. You suspect personal issues may be affecting their academic performance, but discussing such matters can be inappropriate and sensitive. Interestingly, the student sends you an email requesting an extension on their next assignment, citing personal issues that affected their work.

How would you provide necessary support while maintaining an appropriate professional boundary if the personal issues persist?

I would likely schedule a meeting with the student. I always like to do onto others as I would like done to me. In this meeting, I would offer the student guidance such as ways to improve on their assignments, but also sources that can help with their personal issue such as a university therapist. This will allow the student to be able to confide in an appropriate manner but also have the opportunity to improve in the course.

Keeping your cool and remaining calm in a hospital setting, no matter what a patient may say or do, is incredibly important.

Discuss a time when you lost your temper.

I rarely lose my temper; however there was an instance where I was emotionally hurt by what a patient said to me. She was bashing me on something I had no control over but did it in a very unprofessional way. I ended up excusing myself to the restroom because of how emotional I felt.

Keeping your cool and remaining calm in a hospital setting, no matter what a patient may say or do, is incredibly important.

What strategies do you implement to practice patience?

I have learned that in life, it is vital to not take anything personal. It took me long to understand that as I am a sensitive person. Whenever I feel pushed close to the edge, I try to practice mindfulness. By being present in the moment, without judgement, instead, understanding of what a person might be going through. In healthcare, there is always going to be a person who may be upset or hurt. It is important to always consider ones feelings before allowing it to affect you.

You are a hospital administrator. You learn of a well-respected doctor who is bending the hospital rules to help his patients. For instance, he sometimes admits patients with minor problems to keep them under observation overnight, which can be costly to the hospital but beneficial for patients' wellbeing. Mixed opinions exist among your team about his intentions.

How would you approach the doctor, addressing both the perceived positive intentions and protocol violations?

its important to acknowledge the positive intensions behind his actions while also discussing the protocol violations. I would start my expressing an appreciation for his dedication to patient care and the well being of his patients. Then, gently explain the importance of following hospital protocols to maintain efficiency and financial stability. I would encourage open communication to find a balance between patient care while also following hospital guidelines. It is crucial to approach the situation with empathy and understanding to reach a constructive resolution

You are a hospital administrator. You learn of a well-respected doctor who is bending the hospital rules to help his patients. For instance, he sometimes admits patients with minor problems to keep them under observation overnight, which can be costly to the hospital but beneficial for patients' wellbeing. Mixed opinions exist among your team about his intentions.

How would you deal with this matter considering its potential long-term impact on hospital operations, resources, and the precedence it sets?

I would understand that if the doctor is seen allowed continuously helping others free of cost, it can cause inequality amongst those around which can develop into a negative work environment. I do see the positive aspect the doctor is trying to achieve with helping these patients who may need it, but also understand the repercussions if allowed.

You are a hospital administrator. You learn of a well-respected doctor who is bending the hospital rules to help his patients. For instance, he sometimes admits patients with minor problems to keep them under observation overnight, which can be costly to the hospital but beneficial for patients' wellbeing. Mixed opinions exist among your team about his intentions.

Reflect on a situation where you had to balance between rule compliance and human empathy.

When I held the position partnership coordinator I was responsible for a team who was to meet every month to discuss their roles and give feedback on different topics. Each month there was this one person who was always missed random meetings without proper notice. There was a rule that after three misses, the student should be removed from the team. I decided to speak with this student to find out the reason for these absences. To my surprise, the student was dealing with personal issues at home. I decided to give this student another chance and offer to move around the meeting to fit her schedule.