While much of your medical school application revolves around grades, hard skills, and personal background, these elements often fail to illuminate critical soft skills like empathy, communication, and ethical decision-making. To address this gap, many medical schools in the United States and globally require applicants to take the Casper test , a key component of Acuity Insights . But what exactly is the Casper test, which schools require it, and why has it become such an integral part of the admissions process?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Casper test, including its structure, the schools that mandate it, and strategies to prepare effectively.
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What Is the Casper Test?
The Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (Casper) is a situational judgment test designed to evaluate a candidate’s interpersonal skills, ethical reasoning, and emotional intelligence—qualities essential for success in medicine but not easily assessed through traditional metrics like GPA or MCAT scores. Developed in 2010 in Canada, Casper is now widely used by medical schools to gain deeper insights into who applicants are beyond their academic achievements.
Key Features of the Casper Test:
- Duration: 65-85 minutes, including two short breaks.
- Format: The test consists of 11 scenarios , divided into typed and video response sections.
- Scenarios: Each scenario presents either a written or video-based situation followed by two open-ended questions. These scenarios are typically drawn from everyday life rather than clinical settings (e.g., witnessing theft at a grocery store).
- Response Time:
- Typed Responses: 3.5 minutes to answer two questions.
- Video Responses: 1 minute per question.
- Scoring: Each scenario is scored by a unique rater, ensuring objectivity. Raters undergo rigorous training and have no prior knowledge of the applicant.
Competencies Assessed:
Casper evaluates candidates across nine core competencies:
- Collaboration
- Communication
- Empathy
- Fairness
- Ethics
- Motivation
- Problem Solving
- Resilience
- Self-Awareness
These competencies align with the qualities necessary for effective patient care and professional conduct in medicine.
Do You Need to Take the Casper Test?
Whether you need to take the Casper test depends on the specific requirements of the schools to which you’re applying. While not all medical schools require it, dozens of programs worldwide—including those in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Australia, New Zealand, and Qatar—have adopted Casper as part of their admissions process.
List of U.S. Medical Schools Requiring Casper (Updated February 2025):
Allopathic (MD) Programs:
- Baylor College of Medicine
- Boston University Aram V. Chobanian & Edward Avedisian School of Medicine
- Burnett School of Medicine at TCU
- 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
- Louisiana State University New Orleans – School of Medicine
- 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 at Stony Brook University
- Rush University Medical College
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine
- Texas Tech Health Sciences Center El Paso
- Tulane University School of Medicine
- University of Colorado Denver Medical School
- 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
- Wake Forest School of Medicine
Osteopathic (DO) Programs:
- Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine NY/MT
- William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
For a complete list of international schools requiring Casper, refer to the official Acuity Insights website.
Why Are Medical Schools Adopting Casper?
Medical schools recognize that being a successful physician requires more than just academic excellence. Strong interpersonal skills, ethical decision-making, and empathy are equally vital. Here’s why Casper has gained traction:
- Beyond Grades: Traditional metrics like GPA and MCAT scores don’t fully capture a candidate’s ability to connect with patients, navigate ethical dilemmas, or demonstrate resilience under pressure.
- Holistic Evaluation: Casper provides insight into how applicants think and behave in real-world situations, offering a more rounded view of their potential as future doctors.
- Professionalism and Ethics: Physicians frequently face challenging ethical decisions. Casper helps admissions committees assess whether candidates can uphold the integrity and professionalism expected in the field.
- Patient-Centered Care: Effective communication and empathy are crucial for building trust with patients. Casper evaluates whether applicants possess these traits.
By incorporating Casper, schools aim to ensure they admit candidates who not only excel academically but also embody the values and soft skills needed to thrive in medicine.
Casper Test Dates and Registration
To register for the Casper test, create an Acuity Insights account and provide the following:
- Government-issued photo ID
- Valid email address
- Working webcam and microphone
Important Notes:
- Register at least three days before your preferred test date to allow time for identity verification and payment processing.
- Test dates vary by school, so check deadlines carefully.
- You can only take Casper once per admissions cycle . If you don’t matriculate, you’ll need to retake it the next cycle.
Upcoming test dates are typically announced in the spring for the following admissions cycle.
Preparing for the Casper Test
Unlike traditional exams, you can’t “study” for Casper in the conventional sense. However, preparation is still essential to perform well. Here’s how to get ready:
1. Practice Scenarios
- Work through sample scenarios to familiarize yourself with the types of questions asked.
- Practice articulating thoughtful responses within the time constraints.
2. Improve Typing Speed
- Since the typed response section is timed, improving your typing speed can help you convey your thoughts more efficiently.
3. Enhance Reading Comprehension
- Quickly understanding the nuances of each scenario is critical to crafting relevant answers.
4. Understand Video Format
- Get comfortable recording yourself answering questions on camera. Pay attention to clarity, tone, and body language.
5. Focus on Core Competencies
- Reflect on the nine competencies assessed and consider how they apply to various situations.
For a detailed breakdown of preparation strategies, explore our 15 Proven Tips to Ace the Casper Test .
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- Instant feedback on both typed and video responses.
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Final Thoughts
The Casper test plays a pivotal role in modern medical school admissions by evaluating the soft skills that define exceptional physicians. By understanding its purpose, preparing strategically, and staying organized with deadlines, you can approach the test with confidence and increase your chances of standing out to admissions committees.
Still have questions? Check out our Casper Test FAQ for answers to 19 common queries.