Mastering the Casper Test for Medical School Admissions

Published on 2024-08-05 by CasperMaster Team

The medical school application landscape has become increasingly competitive, with over 52,000 applicants vying for limited spots in U.S. allopathic programs during the 2023-2024 academic year. To efficiently evaluate this vast pool of candidates, medical schools have implemented strategic assessment methods, including the Situational Judgment Test (SJT).

The Casper test, a prominent example of an SJT, has gained traction among numerous U.S. allopathic medical schools. This exam assesses crucial personal qualities such as empathy and critical thinking, adding another layer to the already complex medical school application process.

The Essence of Casper

Casper evaluates fundamental characteristics essential for successful physicians, including sound judgment, critical reasoning, effective communication, and problem-solving abilities in diverse scenarios. This online assessment, administered by Altus Insights, can be taken from any location chosen by the applicant.

The test comprises 14 sections, each presenting either text or video-based scenarios. It takes approximately 90 to 110 minutes to complete, with an optional 10-minute break. The cost in the U.S. is $12, plus an additional $12 for each medical school receiving the scores.

Key Competencies Assessed

Casper evaluates ten core competencies:

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

Preparation Strategies

While the Casper test focuses on responses to specific scenarios rather than scientific knowledge, preparation is still valuable. Applicants should:

Familiarize themselves with the test format, timing, and technological requirements
Review practice questions and scenarios
Practice writing responses within the given time frame
Record themselves answering questions for the video portion

CasperMaster recommends scheduling the exam well in advance, ideally completing it by the end of July. Results are typically sent to designated schools within two to three weeks.

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 how well an applicant's preferences align with a specific medical school program.

Duet complements Casper results by providing objective "fit" scores across various categories. While little preparation is needed, reviewing a school's mission statement and understanding how it aligns with your goals can be beneficial.

Conclusion

As the medical school admissions process continues to evolve, the Casper test plays an increasingly important role in evaluating applicants' personal qualities and decision-making skills. By understanding the test's format, key competencies, and preparation strategies, aspiring medical students can approach this assessment with confidence and maximize their chances of success.