Mastering the Casper Test for Medical School Admission

Last updated: 2024-08-05

In the fiercely competitive landscape of medical school admissions, where over 52,000 hopefuls vied for limited spots in the 2023-2024 academic year, institutions have implemented strategic evaluation methods to assess applicants comprehensively. One such tool gaining prominence is the Casper test, a Situational Judgment Test (SJT) now required by numerous U.S. allopathic medical schools.

Understanding the Casper Test

The Casper test, administered by Altus Insights, is designed to evaluate crucial personal qualities essential for future physicians. These include empathy, critical thinking, communication skills, and problem-solving abilities in diverse scenarios. The assessment consists of 14 sections, each presenting a text or video-based scenario, and takes between 90 to 110 minutes to complete.

Key Features of the Casper Test

• Online accessibility from any location
• Cost: $12, plus $12 per medical school for score distribution
• Optional 10-minute break included
• Applicable to various health education programs beyond medical school

Competencies Assessed

The Casper test evaluates applicants across ten key competencies:

• Ethics
• Self-awareness
• Empathy
• Collaboration
• Professionalism
• Equity
• Motivation
• Communication
• Problem solving
• Resilience

Preparing for Success

While the Casper test focuses on situational judgment rather than scientific knowledge, effective preparation is still crucial. Applicants should:

• Familiarize themselves with the test format and timing
• Review practice questions and scenarios
• Practice responding within the given time constraints
• Consider recording video responses for self-evaluation

Timing and Logistics

Aspiring medical students should plan to complete the Casper test by late July, as each school has specific deadlines. Results are typically sent to designated institutions within two to three weeks of the test date.

The Duet Assessment

In addition to Casper, some schools may require the Duet assessment, another component of the Altus Suite. This 15-minute values-alignment test helps determine the compatibility between an applicant's preferences and a specific medical school's program. While preparation for Duet is limited, reviewing a school's mission statement and reflecting on personal goals can be beneficial.

Conclusion

As the medical school admissions process evolves, tools like the Casper test play an increasingly important role in evaluating applicants holistically. By understanding the test's structure, focusing on key competencies, and engaging in thoughtful preparation, aspiring medical professionals can enhance their chances of success in this critical component of their application journey.