What is CASPer?
CASPer stands for Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics. Many programs (MD, DO, PA, and nursing) have begun to incorporate it into their admissions processes to make sure that students are not only academically capable but also possess the characteristics of someone who will likely succeed in medicine. It helps to add yet another dimension to your application.
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Basically, it's a 100% online Situational Judgement Test (SJT) which presents you with realistic, hypothetical scenarios and then ask what you would do in the dilemma (and why) in order to determine behavioral tendencies.
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Each of the 12 sections of the test contains a video-based or word-based scenario and three open-ended questions. You then have 5 minutes to type responses to all three questions, making the length of the test 60-90 minutes with an optional 15-minute break halfway through.
How is CASPer Scored?
Each section of the test is scored by a different rater. All raters are extensively trained to evaluate key characteristics such as collaboration, communication, empathy, equity, ethics, motivation, problem solving, professionalism, resilience, and self awareness.
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Once a test is rated, the score is sent automatically to the programs selected for distribution. The test taker does not get sent their scores.
What Schools Use CASPer?
M.D. Schools
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American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
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Baylor College of Medicine
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Boston University School of Medicine
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Case Western Reserve University
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Central Michigan University
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Drexel University
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East Tennessee State University
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Florida Atlantic University
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Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
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Howard University
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Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
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Indiana University
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Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center
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Augusta University
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Medical College of Wisconsin
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Meharry Medical College
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Mercer University
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Michigan State University
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New York Medical College
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Northeast Ohio Medical University
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Oregon Health & Sciences University
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Penn State University
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Rosalind Franklin University
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Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
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Rutgers, Robert Wood Johnson Medicine School
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San Juan Bautista School of Medicine
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State University of New York
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Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University
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Temple University
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Texas A&M University
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Texas Tech University El Paso
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Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
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Tulane University
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University of Colorado Denver
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University of Illinois at Chicago
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University of Miami
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University of Michigan
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University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
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University of Rochester
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University of Texas Health Sciences Center, Houston
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University of Texas Medical Branch
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University of Texas Southwestern
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University of Vermont
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University of Washington
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Virginia Commonwealth University
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Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine
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Wake Forest School of Medicine
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West Virginia University
D.O. Schools
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Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Arkansas College of Health Education
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California Health Sciences University
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Des Moines University
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Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Michigan State University
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Oklahoma State University
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Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
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Rocky Vista University
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Sam Houston State University
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Touro College
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Touro University - Nevada
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Western University of Health Sciences
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William Carey University
How to Take CASPer?
Make an account on the CASPer website and reserve your test.
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The fee for taking CASPer is $12 + $12/school.
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Because it's an online (recorded, not-proctored) test, there are many flexible times available.
Should I Take CASPer if it's only Optional?
CASPer offers you a unique ability to demonstrate your people skills and a more holistic view of yourself before formal review or the interview process. This could give you an edge if you feel critical thinking, ethics, and/or people skills are a strength of yours you would like to showcase in your application.
How to Prepare for CASPer?
Because it's a Situational Judgement Test (SJT) there's no way to traditionally study for the material. However, it can be helpful to prep by going through CASPer's practice questions to get a feel for the exam and practice your typing speed and skill because 5 minutes goes by a lot faster than you would think.