What is Casper?
Made up of two sections
The test is divided into two sections. The first is the video response section. In this section, you will be presented with two word-based scenarios and four video-based scenarios. The second section is the typed response section. Here, you will be presented with three word-based scenarios and five video-based scenarios.
Made up of 14 scenarios
Each video response scenario has two open-ended questions, presented one at a time. Test takers have one minute to record each response. Each typed response scenario has three open-ended questions, presented altogether. Test takers have five minutes total to respond to all three questions.
90-110 minutes in length
Casper progresses from one scenario to the next automatically. It typically takes 90-110 minutes to complete the whole test. We provide an optional 10 min break between the video response and typed response sections and another optional five minute break halfway through the typed response section.
Scored by a group of human raters
Each scenario of a test is scored by a different rater. The group of raters reflects the diversity of the population. All raters are extensively trained, put through implicit bias training, vetted, and understand the importance of their work as a Rater and the impact it has on an applicant’s future. The Acuity Insights team has numerous quality assurance measures in place to ensure the integrity of scores assigned by our raters.
Scores get sent to selected programs automatically
Once a test is rated, 2-3 weeks after the test date, the Casper score is sent automatically to the programs that the applicant has selected for distribution. Programs then update application statuses within their individual application portals.
What does Casper assess for?
Collaboration
Communication
Empathy
Equity
Ethics
Motivation
Problem Solving
Professionalism
Resilience
Self Awareness
Frequently asked questions
Why do programs require Casper? Programs are looking to make sure that students are not only academically capable but also possess suitable personal and professional qualities that make them more likely to succeed in the profession. Research has demonstrated that Casper is reliable and also predicts future success in medical school, so the scores derived from the test are able to tell programs something meaningful about their applicants. |
How does Casper help applicants? Casper allows applicants to demonstrate their people skills earlier on in the admissions process. Although programs would like to get to learn more about each of their applicants personally, they often receive thousands of applications and unfortunately don’t have the resources to review every one in detail. This means they could miss out on great candidates who have the right mix of academic success and excellent people skills. |
Do I need to study for Casper? You should prepare for the Casper test by familiarizing yourself with the test format and technical requirements. However, our research shows that third party coaching and prep can actually hinder your test score. You can access free prep resources on our website to ensure that you are comfortable, oriented, and focused on test day. Read our blog for tips on how to prepare for Casper. Visit the test prep page for more information on how to prepare for the Casper test. |
