The Complete 2026–2027 Casper Test Guide

What is the Casper Test?

Casper (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) is an online situational judgment test (SJT) developed and administered by Acuity Insights. It is used by medical schools, nursing programs, graduate schools, and other professional programs to assess whether applicants have the non-academic skills required to succeed.

Unlike the MCAT, GPA, or research experience, Casper measures soft skills: empathy, ethical reasoning, communication, collaboration, and self-awareness. It is designed to be difficult to fake — you cannot memorize facts to ace it. Instead, it reveals how you genuinely think and respond to complex human situations.

Casper is not a test of what you know. It's a test of who you are under pressure.

Approximately 27 US medical schools require Casper as part of their application process, and the number grows each year. The test is taken once per application cycle — there are no retakes — so proper preparation is essential.

Format & Timing

Total duration: 65–85 minutes (including instructions and optional breaks)

The 2026–2027 Casper test consists of 11 scenarios — a mix of video-based and word-based prompts — each followed by 2 open-ended questions. The test is divided into two distinct sections:

Video Response Section

The video response section comes first. It was added in 2022/2023 in response to applicant feedback that the original Casper was "essentially a speed-typing test."

Timeline per question:

1. Read or watch the scenario
2. 30 seconds — optional reflection time
3. 10 seconds — read the question
4. 60 seconds — record your verbal response
5. Response automatically submits; you cannot review or edit it

There are no breaks within the video section. After completing all 4 scenarios, you receive an optional 10-minute break before the typed section. Take it — use it to recompose yourself.

Typed Response Section

The typed section presents 7 scenarios with 2 questions each. Both questions are visible simultaneously, and you have 3.5 minutes total to answer them both. There is an optional 5-minute break halfway through.

What you need to type fast: At 3.5 minutes per scenario pair, typing speed matters. Aim for at least 40 WPM to have enough time to write thoughtful answers. Minor spelling errors are overlooked; major ones that impede comprehension are not.

9 Core Competencies

Every scenario is designed to assess one or more of these nine attributes:

1. Collaboration — working effectively with others toward shared goals
2. Communication — conveying ideas clearly in writing and speech
3. Empathy — understanding and respecting others' perspectives and feelings
4. Fairness — applying consistent, equitable judgment
5. Ethics — demonstrating moral reasoning and professional integrity
6. Motivation — showing commitment and drive toward professional goals
7. Problem-Solving — critical thinking and analytical decision-making
8. Resilience — managing stress, adversity, and setbacks constructively
9. Self-Awareness — understanding your own strengths, limitations, and biases

You are not expected to demonstrate all nine in every response. Raters assess which competencies are most relevant to the scenario and evaluate accordingly.

How Casper Is Scored

Casper's scoring system is designed to minimize bias and inconsistency:

• Each scenario is rated by a different, unique rater — no single rater evaluates more than one of your scenarios
• Raters only see your response to their scenario; they have no access to your other 10 answers or your personal information
• Scores are given on a 1–9 Likert scale (1 = poor, 9 = excellent)
• Your score is relative, not absolute — it reflects your performance compared to other test-takers who answered the same scenario on the same day

This means your score can vary across test dates. Raters are trained and accredited before scoring, and are instructed to disregard typos and grammar mistakes — they focus entirely on the substance of your answer.

Understanding Quartiles

You receive a quartile report approximately 1 month after your test. Scores are not provided in raw form.

Most competitive medical schools expect 3rd or 4th quartile performance. Schools receive your quartile report approximately 2–3 weeks after the test, before you even see it yourself.

Sample Questions & Strategies

Example Scenario (Situational):

You and three colleagues are working on a group project due in two days. One member, Ellen, has become increasingly irritable — she rejects all suggestions while contributing no ideas of her own. The assignment counts for 30% of everyone's grade, and the group is behind schedule.

Question 1: What would you say to the group to improve the situation?

Question 2: How would you approach a private conversation with Ellen?

The strategy: Don't rush to judgment. A strong answer acknowledges that Ellen may be dealing with something unknown — stress, illness, personal difficulty. Demonstrate diplomacy and empathy first, then address the practical problem. Show you can think in multiple directions.

The If/Then Framework

Casper questions rarely have one "correct" answer. What raters are looking for is nuanced, contextual thinking. The if/then format works well:

"If Ellen is struggling with a personal issue, I would first check in with her privately to understand what she's going through. If she confirms she's fine and simply isn't contributing, I would address the impact on the group openly and respectfully…"

This shows you:

• Don't jump to conclusions
• Consider multiple perspectives
• Can handle ambiguity
• Think about consequences before acting

Personal/Behavioral Questions

Some prompts ask about your own experiences:

"Describe a time when you had to make a significant sacrifice to achieve an important goal."

Here, specificity is everything. Don't generalize. Describe a real event, name the sacrifice, explain the tradeoff, and reflect on what you learned. Raters are looking for authenticity and self-awareness — not a polished, curated highlight reel.

How to Prepare

1. Understand the Format First

Before practicing answers, make sure you are deeply familiar with the test structure. Know exactly how much time you have, when responses auto-submit, and what the two sections feel like. Surprise on test day costs you points.

2. Practice with Real Scenarios (Timed)

Use practice scenarios that mirror the difficulty and format of real Casper questions. Practice with a timer running — 60 seconds for video, 3.5 minutes for typed. The time pressure is a real factor, and you need to internalize the rhythm.

Use CasperMaster's 36 AI-graded practice scenarios to get instant feedback with quartile scores.

3. Record Your Video Responses

Video responses feel unnatural at first. The solution is exposure — record yourself answering practice questions using PhotoBooth (Mac) or Camera (Windows) and review the footage critically.

Ask yourself:

• Do you look and sound confident?
• Are you making eye contact with the camera?
• Can you answer thoroughly within 60 seconds?
• Is your pace too fast, too slow, or just right?

Get feedback from a trusted friend or family member. Most people are surprised by how they appear on camera the first time.

4. Improve Your Typing Speed

If you type under 40 WPM, practice immediately. Use tools like Keybr, 10FastFingers, or the CasperMaster Typer tool. You don't need to be blazing fast — but you need enough speed to write two coherent, thoughtful answers in 3.5 minutes.

5. Practice Thinking Out Loud

The video section rewards people who can think aloud clearly and confidently. Practice explaining ethical scenarios to yourself or to a friend verbally, without reading from notes. This trains your brain to structure arguments in real time.

6. Do a Full Practice Test

Simulate the full 65–85 minute test experience at least once before your real test date. Use the official practice test on the Acuity Insights platform. Do it in your actual testing location, with the door closed and notifications disabled.

Dos & Don'ts

✅ Do:

• Register at least 3 days before your test date
• Confirm your test time and timezone (EDT/EST by default)
• Complete the System Requirements Check at least 3 days prior
• Warm up your face and voice before the video section
• Have a backup internet connection ready (mobile hotspot)
• Silence your phone and inform housemates before the test

❌ Don't:

• Don't memorize scripted answers — raters can detect them
• Don't assume typos don't matter — too many impede comprehension
• Don't dress in pajamas or distracting clothing for the video section
• Don't skip the official practice test — familiarity with the platform reduces anxiety
• Don't refresh the page while a response is uploading

Registration & Cost

Base fee: $85 USD — covers the test and distribution to up to 7 programs

Additional programs: $18 USD each

All fees are non-refundable. Casper can only be taken once per application cycle.

How to Register (11 Steps):

1. Create your Acuity Insights account at acuityinsights.app
2. Click "+ Reserve new test"
3. Select your country of programs
4. Select your preferred language
5. Select the admission cycle (2026–2027)
6. Select program type(s) — e.g., MD, DO
7. Select the schools you're applying to
8. Enter any student/application IDs if prompted
9. Choose your test date
10. Review reservation details carefully
11. Submit payment

Register at least 3 days before your test date to allow time for system checks and verification.

FAQs

How many medical schools require Casper? Approximately 27 US medical schools require Casper, but this changes each cycle. Check the official Acuity Insights website for the current list.

Can I retake Casper if I'm unhappy with my score? No. Casper can only be taken once per application cycle. If you are reapplying the following year, you must take it again.

Do schools see my actual responses? No. Schools only receive your quartile ranking — they do not see your individual responses. Only trained Casper raters view your answers.

What technical requirements does Casper need?

• Desktop or laptop computer (tablets not supported)
• Working webcam and microphone
• Chrome or Firefox browser
• Internet connection with at least 1.5 Mbps download / 2 Mbps upload
• Backup internet option strongly recommended

How long does it take to get results? Scores are sent to schools approximately 2–3 weeks after your test. You receive your personal quartile report approximately 1 month after your test date.

Does Casper help or hurt med school applications? Casper is a screening tool, not the primary admission factor. A 4th quartile score is unlikely to get you in on its own, but a 1st quartile score can screen you out. Aim for 3rd or 4th quartile to remove it as a concern.