The CASPer test is one of the biggest unknowns in medical school admissions. Unlike the MCAT, where you know your score immediately, CASPer operates as a "black box" — you submit your responses and hope for the best.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what CASPer measures, how it's scored, which medical schools require it, and exactly how to prepare for Q3 or Q4 performance.
What is the CASPer Test?
CASPer (Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal characteristics) is an online situational judgment test developed by Acuity Insights. It measures personal characteristics like professionalism, ethics, empathy, and critical thinking — traits that predict success in healthcare careers but can't be measured by GPA or test scores.
CASPer Format & Timing
The test consists of 12 scenarios presented in two formats:
- Video scenarios (4): Watch a situation unfold, then record a 60-second video response
- Word-based scenarios (8): Read a scenario, then type written responses to 3 follow-up questions
Total test time is approximately 75-90 minutes with optional breaks.
Schools That Require CASPer
As of 2026, 27 US medical schools require CASPer:
- Albany Medical College
- California Health Sciences University
- California Northstate University
- Drexel University College of Medicine
- George Washington University
- Hofstra/Northwell
- Howard University College of Medicine
- New York Institute of Technology
- Oakland University William Beaumont
- Rutgers New Jersey Medical School
- Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
- Stanford University School of Medicine
- SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
- Temple University (Lewis Katz)
- Thomas Jefferson University
- UCONN School of Medicine
- University of Illinois College of Medicine
- University of Minnesota Medical School
- University of Vermont (Larner)
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Washington State University (Elson S. Floyd)
Canadian medical schools also widely use CASPer, with 15+ programs requiring it.
How is CASPer Scored?
CASPer doesn't use traditional scores. Instead, you receive a quartile ranking (Q1, Q2, Q3, or Q4) comparing your performance to other test-takers in your application pool.
Quartile Breakdown
- Q1 (1st quartile): Bottom 25% — significant concern for most programs
- Q2 (2nd quartile): 25th-50th percentile — below average, may limit options
- Q3 (3rd quartile): 50th-75th percentile — competitive for most programs
- Q4 (4th quartile): Top 25% — strong advantage at competitive schools
What CASPer Actually Measures
According to Acuity Insights research, CASPer evaluates 10 core competencies:
- Collaboration — Working with others toward shared goals
- Communication — Expressing ideas clearly and listening effectively
- Empathy — Understanding others' perspectives and emotions
- Equity — Promoting fairness and addressing bias
- Ethics — Making principled decisions under pressure
- Motivation for medicine — Genuine commitment to healthcare
- Problem-solving — Analyzing complex situations systematically
- Professionalism — Maintaining standards and accountability
- Resilience — Bouncing back from setbacks
- Self-awareness — Understanding your own strengths and limitations
CASPer Preparation Strategy
Unlike standardized tests, CASPer can't be "studied" in a traditional sense. However, structured practice significantly improves performance.
The 4-Week CASPer Prep Plan
Week 1: Foundation Building
- Complete 3-5 practice scenarios daily
- Focus on the "PREPARE" framework (see below)
- Review medical ethics fundamentals
Week 2: Response Development
- Practice typing responses within time limits
- Record yourself answering video questions
- Study real medical school interview questions
Week 3: Scenario Mastery
- Complete full-length practice tests
- Focus on challenging scenarios (workplace conflict, ethical dilemmas)
- Review your weakest competency areas
Week 4: Test Simulation
- Take practice tests under real timing conditions
- Polish video response delivery
- Review common scenario types one final time
The PREPARE Response Framework
Use this structure for every CASPer response:
Perspective — Acknowledge different viewpoints in the scenario
Reasoning — Explain your thought process clearly
Ethics — Consider ethical principles and professional standards
People — Focus on relationships and impacts on others
Actions — Describe specific, concrete steps you would take
Reflection — Consider outcomes and alternative approaches
Empathy — Demonstrate understanding of emotions involved
CASPer Practice Resources
The most effective preparation combines:
- Realistic practice scenarios — QuartilePrep offers 36 CASPer scenarios with AI feedback and quartile scoring
- Typing speed improvement — Aim for 40+ WPM to maximize response length
- Medical ethics review — Understand principles like autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice
- Video practice — Record yourself daily to improve confidence and delivery
Common CASPer Mistakes to Avoid
Response Content Mistakes
- Being judgmental — Never harshly criticize scenario characters
- Oversimplifying — CASPer scenarios deliberately have nuanced, complex situations
- Ignoring context — Consider cultural, socioeconomic, and personal factors
- One-sided responses — Always acknowledge multiple perspectives
Technical and Strategy Mistakes
- Running out of time — Practice typing quickly and concisely
- Perfectionism — You can't go back to edit, so keep moving forward
- Panic with video — Practice speaking clearly under pressure
- Skipping questions — Answer every question, even briefly
When to Take CASPer
Most medical schools require CASPer scores before reviewing secondary applications. Plan accordingly:
- June testing — Safest for most programs; scores arrive by late June/early July
- May testing — Ideal for highly competitive programs with earlier deadlines
- July testing — Risky; some programs may not wait for scores
Never take CASPer in the last available window for your application cycle. Technical issues or registration problems leave no backup options.
CASPer Test Day Tips
Technical Preparation
- Test your computer and internet connection days in advance
- Use Chrome or Firefox (Safari not recommended)
- Clear your browser cache and close unnecessary applications
- Have a backup internet option ready
Response Strategy
- Read carefully — Scenarios contain important details that affect your response
- Stay calm — Expect some scenarios to feel impossible or unfair
- Be authentic — Don't try to guess the "right" answer; demonstrate your values
- Manage time — Spend roughly equal time on each question within a scenario
Video Response Best Practices
- Look at the camera, not the screen
- Speak clearly and at a moderate pace
- Structure your response — brief intro, main points, conclusion
- Be conversational — avoid sounding robotic or overly formal
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a passing score on the CASPer?
No. CASPer reports results as quartile scores (Q1–Q4), not pass/fail. Most competitive programs look for Q3 or Q4. Some programs use CASPer as a screener and won't advance Q1 applicants to interviews.
How long does it take to get CASPer results?
CASPer results are typically available 3–5 weeks after your test date. Scores are sent automatically to your designated programs — you don't need to send them manually.
Can I retake the CASPer test?
You can retake CASPer in a future application cycle, but not within the same cycle. This makes thorough preparation critical — there is no second chance in the same year.
How much does the CASPer test cost?
As of the 2026–2027 cycle, CASPer costs approximately $80 USD to take, plus $15 per score recipient (school or program). Costs can add up if applying broadly.
What is the best way to practice for the CASPer video section?
Record yourself daily answering practice questions. Focus on clear delivery, eye contact with the camera, and structuring responses with a brief introduction, 2-3 main points, and a conclusion. Practice until you can deliver confident responses within 60 seconds.
Do medical schools see my actual responses or just my score?
Schools only receive your quartile score and competency breakdown — they don't see your actual typed or video responses. Your specific answers remain confidential.
How important is typing speed for CASPer?
Typing speed significantly affects your ability to provide detailed responses. Aim for 40+ words per minute. The most successful test-takers can express complex thoughts quickly and clearly under time pressure.
Can I use spell check during the test?
No. The CASPer platform disables spell check and autocorrect features. Practice typing without these aids to avoid surprises on test day.
Ready to Start Practicing?
The most effective CASPer preparation combines realistic practice scenarios, structured response frameworks, and timed practice conditions. QuartilePrep's CASPer practice platform offers:
- 36 realistic scenarios covering all major scenario types
- AI-powered feedback with quartile scoring and competency analysis
- Video and text practice in a test-like environment
- Detailed explanations showing what high-scoring responses include
Ready to start your CASPer prep? Try our free practice scenarios and see how our AI scoring system can help you reach Q3 or Q4 performance.