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The Casper exam is a type of situational judgment test (SJT) designed for sampling personal characteristics and professional attributes like ethics and problem-solving skills. It’s not just about what you know; it’s about how you handle real-world situations and communicate under pressure.
The Casper test is part of the Altus Suite (alongside Duet). Your Acuity Insights account is the platform where applicants manage their Altus Suite assessments. This account allows you to sign up for available test dates, complete the exam, and manage where your Casper scores are sent.
If you’re applying to medical school in the 2024/25 application cycle, do your best to take the exam no later than May 2024.
Use our proprietary Casper simulation and get a 1-on-1 feedback session with a Physician Advisor included!
2024 Casper Test Dates and Participating Programs
The Casper test used for MD and DO programs may be taken on these days and times in 2024:
- May 2, 2024 – 8:00 PM EDT
- May 14, 2024 – 8:00 PM EDT
- May 30, 2024 – 6:00 PM EDT
- May 30, 2024 – 8:00 PM EDT
New dates will be added to this list as they are scheduled.
Note: Dates for Casper are generally the same, but some test times are not used by some medical programs. Check your preferred programs’ dates and see the most up-to-date schedule by checking the Acuity Insights website (the only official Casper website).
Try our mock Casper test & get 1-on-1 feedback on how to improve your performance!
When to Schedule Your Casper Test
More schools have begun requiring the Casper score along with the primary medical school application. For this reason, we recommend registering for the exam in April or May (early Spring) of the admissions cycle.
You should schedule your Casper test day around the time you complete your secondaries. This ensures your application is complete when admissions committees on your distribution list review it. Don’t wait until right before the distribution deadline to schedule.
Which Medical Schools Require Casper?
Not every school requires Casper as a part of their admissions process. The following MD/or DO schools in the US, Canada, and the Caribbean (MD-granting only) require Casper test scores to apply.
- American University of The Caribbean School of Medicine
- 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
- 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)
- Hofstra University School of Medicine
- Indiana University School of Medicine
- Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
- 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
- Rush University Medical College
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Stony Brook University School of Medicine
- Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine
- Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine
- Texas Christian University, School of Medicine
- Texas Tech Health Sciences Center El Paso
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine
- Tulane University School of Medicine
- University of Colorado Denver Medical School
- 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, John Sealy School of Medicine
- University of Texas Southwestern
- University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
- West Virginia University School of Medicine
How to Prepare for Casper
Here is a concise list of preparation tips for the Casper exam:
- Understand the format: The Casper exam is a computer-based assessment that combines video-based scenarios and word-based questions to gauge applicants’ responses in real-world situations. The test format is structured to include a video response section as well as traditional word-based responses.
- Practice under timed conditions: The Casper exam typically takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes to complete without any scheduled breaks. You are given 5 minutes to type your responses to the questions in each section. Once the 5 minutes are up for that section, you cannot go back to revise your answers. Make sure to add a time limit when practicing.
- Improve typing speed: Since the exam is time-constrained, efficient typing can help you convey more comprehensive responses.
- Know what you need on test day: To participate in the Casper exam, you will need a reliable webcam and internet connection to access the platform, a government-issued photo ID, and confirmation of payment processing (all fees must be settled prior to accessing the test).
- Practice reflective thinking: Work on articulating your thoughts and ethical reasoning clearly and concisely.
- Review sample questions: As you should when studying for the MCAT, explore Casper sample questions, webinars, and practice tests to get a feel for the types of scenarios you will encounter.
- Reflect on your experiences: Consider personal, educational, and professional experiences that have shaped your perspectives and ethics.
- Stay informed on current issues: Awareness of societal, ethical, and health-related issues can enrich your responses. For example, understanding how AI is impacting the medical community or advancements in diversity in medicine will help you anticipate questions or topics that will come up.
Read Our In-Depth Guide to Casper Preparation
FAQs
Casper:
- Type: An online situational judgment test (SJT).
- Purpose: Assesses non-academic skills like ethics, communication, and empathy.
- Format: Consists of video and written scenarios followed by open-ended questions.
- Type: Another situational judgment test, developed by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
- Purpose: Designed to evaluate pre-professional competencies important for success in medical school and healthcare.
- Format: Presents written scenarios that medical school applicants might encounter, assessing responses to ethical dilemmas and communication challenges on a 4-point spectrum from “very ineffective” to “very effective.”
Duet:
- Type: An online tool that assesses compatibility between an applicant’s preferences and a program’s characteristics.
- Purpose: Helps medical schools understand how an applicant’s values align with their program’s culture and mission.
- Format: Applicants rate their preferences on various aspects of medical education and training environments; programs do the same, allowing for a match in values and priorities.
Snapshot: No longer required for medical school admissions.
The Casper test is offered on multiple dates throughout the year. The availability of test dates varies depending on the type of program you’re applying to (medical, nursing, etc) and the geographical region or country. Typically, there are over a dozen dates available in any given cycle.
Preparing for the Casper test is unique because it assesses your personal attributes, rather than academic knowledge. You don’t want to prepare last minute, but you also don’t need to study months in advance like the MCAT. Follow our preparation tips above, and you’ll be ready!
To book a Casper test, you must create an account on the official Altus Suite website, select the test type (Casper), and choose your preferred test date and time from the available options.
Casper test results are typically available to designated programs within approximately 2-3 weeks after taking the test.
Need Help Preparing for Casper?
The key to Casper preparation is understanding the test’s requirements, practicing effectively, and reflecting on your personal and professional experiences. Tailor your preparation to your needs, focusing on thinking critically and communicating clearly under pressure.
Learn to boost your Casper performance and tackle any ethical scenarios that come your way!
Renee Marinelli, MD
Dr. Marinelli has practiced family medicine, served on the University of California Admissions Committee, and has helped hundreds of students get into medical school. She spearheads a team of physician advisors who guide MedSchoolCoach students.
