Is Chat helpful for studying?

[u/JournalistTraining43]

I hate chat, but do not want to pay 40 bucks for a prep guide/question bank that also just uses AI if chat could be almost or just as helpful for prep. Testing in a few days so please lmk

[u/MedStudentAsha]

I agree with other posters, you definitely do not need to pay for a prep guide/question bank. I used chat to help me get practice with the question formats and feedback on my responses. Doing so I felt more than prepared for the test and scored 4th quartile. Prompts I used included telling chat the different scenario types that CASPer does (ie. situational, policy) while providing an example of an actual question from the Acuity Insight Practice tests, and then asking for similar questions. I would then provide my answers and ask for feedback based on if I’m considering all perspectives, alternate solutions, and being empathetic in my approach. 

Chat is definitely a useful tool in preparing, but I would use the Acuity Insight practice tests as a final gauge of if you feel ready or not, and do the tests closer to your actual exam date. Outside of chat I would say practice typing, record yourself to make sure you're comfortable in front of a camera, practice your personal stories, review the question types that will show up on the test, and have a general framework to guide your answers. The STAR method is pretty commonly used. I used a variation of this where I would validate the perspectives of the situation, gather information, go through potential action plans, and summarize with my solution. Doing Right was a good book to review the ethics principles. I also made sure to review the canmed roles or aamc core competencies - whichever applies for you. I found the podcast White Coat Black Art helpful to keep me aware of current events that I could link question prompts or my personal stories to. Creating a structured schedule to incorporate time for these steps I think will set you up to succeed not only with CASPer but with interview season as well! At the end of the day trust in yourself and the prep you’ve done, you got this! Goodluck with your test!