CASPER

About CASPer

Why take the CASPer test? CASPer, also known as the Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics test, is an admissions tool that asks realistic, hypothetical scenarios through a series of video recordings and word-based submissions. It is designed to measure situational judgment and personal and professional skills, including: Collaboration, Communication, Empathy, Equity, Ethics, Motivation, Problem Solving, Professionalism, Resilience, and Self Awareness.

Though not required by all professional schools, CASPer is being incorporated into the admission procedures of many pre-health graduate programs, including medical, dental, physician assistant, and more. Check with the schools you plan on applying to and confirm if CASPer is a required component of their application process. 

CASPer is administered as part of the Altus Suite mutli-part assessment, which includes CASPer, Snapshot, and Duet (see "Additional Information" below for more in Snapshot and Duet). Together, these standardized selection tools paint a more complete picture of who you are so that programs consider more than just your grades.

Costs: Testing fee varies by program type and can range from $12 (for U.S. Medical Schools) to $40 (for other U.S. health profession programs such as Dentistry, Physician Assistant, Optometry, Physical/Occupational Therapy, etc.). There is also an additional $12 distribution fee per school.

Length: 90 minutes (includes the introduction, about 75 minutes of questions, and an optional 10-minute break at the halfway point).

Test Dates: Test dates and times will vary by program. View a list of test dates and times by program on the CASPer website: https://takecasper.com/dates-times/

Computerized: Yes

Scores: Each of the 12 sections is scored by a different rater. The group of raters reflect the diversity of the population. All raters are extensively trained, vetted and are invested in the future of the profession. The 12 independent ratings are averaged, and scores are then standardized to represent the relative rankings of each student compared to their peers.

Important Notes: Academic programs incorporate CASPer in different ways to guide their admissions process. Most programs use CASPer alongside other metrics like GPA and entrance exam scores as a prescreening tool to decide who they would like to invite to the interview process. Some programs use Casper in a more impressionistic approach, to help facilitate decisions on candidates who are on the cusp of whether they are admitted to the program. Some programs implement a conservative cut-off score for Casper to screen out applicants, while others take a closer look at candidates who have exceptionally high Casper scores.

Because different programs use CASPer in different ways, and at different points throughout the application process, it is recommended that you complete the test (if required) early on in your application cycle so that your results are available to programs along with the rest of your application materials.

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Test Sections

The test is composed of 12 sections (8 video-based scenarios and 4 word-based scenarios) that are presented in a randomized order.

Each scenario is followed by an answer section, which includes a set of 3 questions.

You have 5 minutes to type your answers/responses for each scenario before you are automatically directed to the next scenario.

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Test Preparation

CASPer is not a test that you can really 'study' for. However, you can prepare for the test by familiarizing yourself with the test format, technical requirements, etc. More information, including sample scenarios, can be found on here. You will also have access to a 'practice test' after registering for your Altus Suite account.

You can also check out this blog post from our Pre-Health Peer Advisor that contains more information and details on the test and how to prepare!

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Additional Information

In addition to CASPer, some professional school programs may also require the completion of Snapshot and/or Duet as part of their application process. If you need to complete either of these assessments, you will not need to pay an additional fee; the fee you pay when you reserve your CASPer test also covers Snapshot and Duet.

Snapshot is a short, one-way video interview consisting of three questions. You will have two minutes to respond to each. Questions further probe applicants’ communication skills and motivation for the profession. More information on Snapshot can be found here.

Duet is a value-alignment assessment that compares what applicants value most in a program to what the programs have to offer. Your individual preferences are compared with programs’ unique profiles to help assess your mutual alignment in a standardized way. More information on Duet can be found here.

Please visit the Altus Assessments website more more information and details on CASPer, Snapshot, and Duet.