
Getting into medical school can be a daunting task, and one aspect that can make or break your application is the Casper test. For many aspiring doctors, Casper is a crucial factor in the admissions process.
The Casper test is a multiple-choice exam that assesses a candidate's communication and problem-solving skills. It's designed to evaluate a candidate's ability to think critically and work well under pressure.
In some medical schools, Casper is a required component of the application process, and a poor performance can lead to rejection. According to the article, 75% of medical schools use Casper as part of their admissions process.
While Casper is not the only factor in getting into medical school, it's an important one.
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What Is the Exam?
The Casper exam is an online, situational judgment test that evaluates professionalism and non-cognitive skills, such as collaboration, problem-solving, and empathy, not scientific and medical knowledge. It's an open-response test that assesses behavioral characteristics, not right or wrong answers.
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The test is designed to assess ten domains deemed important for good medical practice, but not covered by traditional tests like the UCAT or GAMSAT. These domains include collaboration, communication, empathy, equity, ethics, motivation, problem-solving, professionalism, resilience, and self-awareness.
Each section of the Casper test is graded by a different rater from a diverse group of people, ensuring the final score is fair and objective. The test is currently in use at over 70 medical schools worldwide and is required by some medical schools and residency programs as part of the application process.
Here are the behavioral characteristics assessed by the Casper test:
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Empathy
- Equity
- Ethics
- Motivation
- Problem-solving
- Professionalism
- Resilience
- Self-awareness
The test is 90-110 minutes in length, with students recording short videos and providing written responses to open-ended questions. The test is designed to be a pre-screening tool, used to assess applicants' personal and professional attributes before an interview.
Preparing for the Test
You can prepare for the CASPer test by learning more about it, practicing with sample questions and simulations, and getting familiar with the test format. This will help you overcome test-taking anxiety and give more confident, thoughtful responses.
The best method of CASPer test prep is to practice CASPer questions and simulations, and search for common sample questions on YouTube. You can also find practice tests online that contain sample CASPer questions, including official ones at Acuity Insights.
To prepare for the CASPer test, you should also practice your video and typing skills. This will ensure that your CASPer responses are as impressive as possible on test day. Consider filming yourself as you practice so you can watch your video responses and make adjustments to your tone, body language, and eye contact.
Here are some key characteristics of the CASPer test to keep in mind:
- It's designed to determine your normal response to a given situation.
- Raters aren’t seeking correct or incorrect facts, so you don’t need to memorize answers.
- The test focuses on soft skills, such as equity, resilience, and self-awareness.
By understanding these key characteristics and practicing with sample questions, you can feel more confident and prepared for the CASPer test.
Preparing for Uncertainty
The CASPer test is shrouded in secrecy, making it difficult to know exactly how it will be used in the admissions process. Many schools don't reveal how the test is used, but students can still prepare and improve their chances of success.

Preparation can significantly improve your ability to take the test and boost your confidence. BeMo's CASPer prep has been proven to increase applicants' practice CASPer score by 23%.
Having confidence is crucial when taking the CASPer test. Alina, a student who recently got into a medical school that requires CASPer, credits expert feedback and personalized coaching for helping her build confidence.
Step-by-step feedback and coaching can help you score in the highest percentile. In one study, 51% of participants who received this type of feedback scored in the highest percentile.
Receiving an offer of admission from a medical school that requires CASPer is also a possibility. In the same study, 58% of participants received an offer of admission after participating in a CASPer Preparation Program.
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Preparing for
Preparing for the CASPer test can be a daunting task, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of success.
The key to preparing for CASPer is to learn more about the test format and practice with sample questions and simulations. You can find common sample questions on YouTube and speak with other applicants who have already taken the exam.
It's essential to note that CASPer is designed to determine your normal response to a given situation, so you don't need to memorize answers. Instead, focus on developing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
To prepare for the test, it's recommended to practice with official CASPer questions and simulations, which can be found online. Acuity Insights, the company that runs CASPer, provides a mock test that can help you understand the structure of the test and reduce your anxiety.
You should also make sure to complete the mock test under timed conditions to simulate the actual test experience. Additionally, note down the scenarios given in the practice CASPer and brainstorm possible answers and ideas without a timer.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for CASPer:
- Complete the practice CASPer test under timed conditions
- Note down the scenarios given in the practice CASPer and brainstorm possible answers and ideas without a timer
- Consult with friends or family to get a range of perspectives
- Ask yourself why your response is the most appropriate one and integrate this information in your response
- Target your responses to the 10 domains assessed by CASPer, such as equity, resilience, and self-awareness
By following these tips and practicing with sample questions and simulations, you can increase your confidence and improve your chances of success on the CASPer test.
The Test Cost

The test cost is a significant consideration for many students. Most American students will pay $85 for the test.
If you're struggling to afford the test, there is some good news. A handful of US-based Fee Assistance Programs can provide financial aid for eligible applicants.
To qualify for free testing, you'll need to provide proof of acceptance to one of these programs. Acuity Insights honors fee assistance programs through three specific organizations.
Here are the programs that can help you get a free test:
- AAMC
- AACOMAS
- Texas JAMP
US MD
If you're planning to apply to US MD schools, you'll want to know which ones require the CASPer test. Currently, around 50 US schools use the CASPer as part of their admissions process, and this number is expected to grow.
The good news is that you can find out which schools require the CASPer by checking the list of participating schools. You can expect to find it used in a near-universal part of the application process very soon.
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Some US MD schools that require the CASPer include Baylor College of Medicine, Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine, and California University of Science and Medicine.
Here is a list of some US MD schools that require the CASPer:
- Baylor College of Medicine
- Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine
- California University of Science and Medicine
- Central Michigan University College of Medicine
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
- Drexel University College of Medicine
- East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine
- Florida Atlantic University College of Medicine
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (HMSOM)
- Indiana University School of Medicine
- Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center
- Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
- Medical College of Wisconsin
- Meharry Medical College
- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
- Netter School of Medicine Quinnipiac University
- New York Medical College
- Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University
- Rush University Medical College
- Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine
- Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine
- Texas Christian University School of Medicine
- Texas Tech Health Sciences Center El Paso Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
- Tulane University School of Medicine
- University of Colorado Denver (Anschutz Medical Campus)
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
- University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine
- University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, McGovern Medical School
- University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, Long School of Medicine
- University of Texas Medical Branch
- University of Texas Southwestern
- University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine
- West Virginia University
The Test Process
You should take the Casper exam early in the cycle while preparing your AMCAS application, ideally in April or May of the year you apply.
The Casper test is offered at limited times each month, so be sure to register for the exam well in advance to avoid waiting too long.
It will take 2-3 weeks for scores to be distributed to schools, so plan ahead and schedule your exam accordingly.
Your Casper test results are only valid for the current application cycle, so if you reapply to the same program in the future, you'll need to retake the exam.
Understanding the Test
The Casper test is a crucial part of the medical school application process.
You should take the Casper exam early in the cycle while preparing your AMCAS application, ideally in April or May of the year you apply.
The Casper test is a further screening tool that helps universities evaluate prospective medical candidates beyond grades, personal statements, and other aptitude tests like the MCAT.
It's essential to register for the exam early, as it's offered at limited times each month, and scores are only valid for the current application cycle.
The Casper test is used to assess non-cognitive skills and interpersonal characteristics, and it's a useful complementary tool alongside other applicant screening processes.
Research has shown that there's a link between Casper scores and clerkship grades, with applicants having the highest Casper scores having a 5 percent higher probability of receiving the highest grade in clerkship.
Universities like Vermont believe that the Casper test enhances objectivity and fairness in the application process.
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Getting into School
Getting into school can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to medical school. Many medical schools in the US and Canada require applicants to take the Casper test as part of the admissions process.
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Some medical schools in the US that require Casper include Baylor College of Medicine, Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine, and Indiana University School of Medicine.
Here is a list of some US medical schools that require Casper:
- Baylor College of Medicine
- Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine
- Indiana University School of Medicine
- Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center
- Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
- Medical College of Wisconsin
- Meharry Medical College
- New York Medical College
- Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University
- Rush University Medical College
- Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine
- University of Colorado Denver (Anschutz Medical Campus)
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
- University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine
- University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, McGovern Medical School
- University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, Long School of Medicine
- University of Texas Medical Branch
- University of Texas Southwestern
- University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine
- West Virginia University
Getting into School
Getting into school can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to medical school. Many medical schools, but not all, require applicants to take the Casper test during the admissions process.
Some graduate programs and residencies use the Casper exam, and a few undergraduate programs do too. Check with your school or program to see if Casper is required.
If you're applying to medical school in the US, you should know that many schools require the Casper test. Here's a list of some of the US MD schools that require CASPer:
- Baylor College of Medicine
- Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine
- California University of Science and Medicine
- Central Michigan University College of Medicine
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
- Drexel University College of Medicine
- East Tennessee State University James H. Quillen College of Medicine
- Florida Atlantic University College of Medicine
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine (HMSOM)
- Indiana University School of Medicine
- Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center
- Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University
- Medical College of Wisconsin
- Meharry Medical College
- Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
- Netter School of Medicine Quinnipiac University
- New York Medical College
- Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University
- Rush University Medical College
- Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine
- Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine
- Texas Christian University School of Medicine
- Texas Tech Health Sciences Center El Paso Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
- Tulane University School of Medicine
- University of Colorado Denver (Anschutz Medical Campus)
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
- University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine
- University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, McGovern Medical School
- University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, Long School of Medicine
- University of Texas Medical Branch
- University of Texas Southwestern
- University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine
- West Virginia University
If you're applying to medical school in Canada, you should know that some schools require the Casper test. Here's a list of some of the medical schools in Canada that require CASPer:
- Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine
- McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
- McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine
- Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine
- Queen’s University Faculty of Health Sciences
- University of Ottawa Faculty of Medicine
- Université de Montréal Faculty of Medicine
- Université de Sherbrooke
- University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry
- University of Manitoba
- University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine
US DO Programs
If you're planning to pursue a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree in the US, you'll want to know which schools require the CASPer test. CASPer is a standardized assessment used by some medical schools to evaluate a candidate's communication and interpersonal skills.
Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine is one such school that requires CASPer. Kansas Health Science Center – Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine is another.
Some schools require a Duet assessment in addition to CASPer. For example, Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine requires a Duet assessment, as does William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York, and Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nevada, also require CASPer.
Universities Using [Technology/System]
Over 50 US schools use CASPer as part of their admissions process. This number is expected to grow, making it a near-universal part of the application process soon.
If you're planning to apply to medical school in the US, you should expect to take CASPer as part of your application. Here are some US schools that require CASPer:
- Baylor College of Medicine
- Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine
- Medical College of Wisconsin
- Meharry Medical College
- Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine
- University of Colorado Denver (Anschutz Medical Campus)
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
- University of Texas at Tyler School of Medicine
- University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, McGovern Medical School
- University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, Long School of Medicine
- University of Texas Medical Branch
- University of Texas Southwestern
- University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
- Wake Forest University School of Medicine
- West Virginia University
In Canada, many medical schools also use CASPer as part of their admissions process. Here are some Canadian schools that require CASPer:
- Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine
- McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences
- McMaster University, Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine
- Memorial University of Newfoundland Faculty of Medicine
- Queen’s University Faculty of Health Sciences
- University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry
- University of Manitoba
- University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine
In Australia, some universities also use CASPer as part of their medical admissions process. Here are some Australian schools that require CASPer:
- Curtin University (undergraduate medicine)
- University of Notre Dame (postgraduate medicine)
- University of Wollongong (postgraduate medicine)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to fail CASPer?
No, it's not possible to fail the CASPer test, as it's not a pass/fail assessment. Instead, the test evaluates a candidate's skills and values, providing a comprehensive evaluation.
How important is CASPer for residency?
CASPer is a valuable assessment that provides program directors with a more comprehensive view of your application, complementing academic performance and interview skills. Its results can also help improve your residency application, especially if you've gone unmatched.
Sources
- https://www.blackstonetutors.com/how-important-is-the-casper-test-for-medical-school/
- https://bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/medical-schools-that-require-casper
- https://www.medschoolcoach.com/what-is-the-casper-exam-for-medical-schools/
- https://sciencebasedmedicine.org/ad-conned-a-critical-look-at-casper/
- https://www.medentry.edu.au/blog/casper-test-what-you-need-to-know
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