Everything You Need to Know About the CASPer Test: A Comprehensive Guide
The CASPer test has become an essential component of the medical school application process and application processes of other professional schools in Canada and beyond. This unique evaluation measures non-cognitive skills which are crucial for future healthcare professionals.
As applicants prepare for this challenging exam, they often have several questions, including:
How long does it take to prepare for the CASPer test?
Where can I find CASPer sample questions to practice?
What is the CASPer test booking process?
In this guide, we will explore all aspects of the CASPer test, offering valuable insights and resources to help you succeed. We will offer the strategies and tips you need to maximize your preparation time and ace the test.
Understanding the CASPer Test
What is the CASPer Test?
The CASPer test, which stands for Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics, is a situational judgment test (SJT) designed to assess your interpersonal skills, ethical reasoning, and overall suitability for medical school and other professional programs. Unlike traditional exams that focus solely on academic knowledge, CASPer emphasizes qualities that are vital for success, including collaboration, communication, empathy, equity, ethics, motivation, problem-solving, professionalism, resilience, and self-awareness. The test presents a series of realistic scenarios, ranging from interpersonal to ethical situations, and asks you to explain how you would handle each.
Beginning with the 2024 - 2025 admission cycle, the CASPer test will feature a new format that includes both typed and video responses, with a total of 14 scenarios: 6 video and 8 typed response scenarios. Each question is evaluated based on how well your responses demonstrate the above personal characteristics, making it a critical part of the holistic admissions process for medical schools.
For a more in-depth breakdown of the test format, please visit Acuity Insights’ FAQ page.
Why is the CASPer Test Important?
The CASPer test has gained importance amongst medical schools for several reasons:
Holistic Assessment: Medical schools recognize that success in healthcare requires more than just strong academic performance. The CASPer test provides a well-rounded view of an applicant by assessing key non-cognitive attributes like problem-solving, empathy, and ethical judgment.
Standardized Evaluation: CASPer provides a fair evaluation system for all applicants, making the admission process more equitable. Regardless of background, everyone is evaluated based on their situational responses.
Predictive Validity: Research — such as this case study — suggests that CASPer scores can better predict a candidate’s future performance in medical school.
Complement to Cognitive Metrics: CASPer complements traditional metrics like GPA and MCAT scores, giving medical schools additional insights into how applicants might perform in patient interactions and other real-world healthcare scenarios.
Schools Requiring the CASPer Test
The CASPer test is primarily utilized by Canadian medical schools to assess applicants, but it has recently gained traction in other countries including the United States and Ireland.
Which Schools Require the CASPer Test?
The following are the medical schools in Canada that mandate the CASPer test as part of their admissions process:
McMaster University
University of Ottawa
Queen’s University
Laval University
University of Saskatchewan
Dalhousie University
McGill University
University of Alberta
University of Manitoba
Memorial University
Note that October 17th is the most common deadline for taking the CASPer test for Canadian medical schools in 2024. Visit the Acuity Insights website for more information on test dates.
International Schools Requiring the CASPer Test
While the focus here is on Canadian schools, it’s worth noting that several international institutions also require CASPer scores. This includes:
U.S. Schools: Some medical schools in the United States have started to incorporate the CASPer test as part of their admissions criteria, including schools such as the University of California and the University of Colorado.
Irish Schools: Ireland has integrated the CASPer test into its admissions process for certain medical and health-related programs. The Royal College of Surgeons (RCSI), for example, requires the CASPer test for both Undergraduate Medicine and Graduate Entry Medicine (GEM) programs.
Preparing for the CASPer Test
The length of time you should prepare for the CASPer test depends on your familiarity with situational judgment tests and your ability to demonstrate the necessary skills being assessed. When planning your study timeline, here are some general tips to keep in mind:
2 to 4 weeks: If you already feel comfortable with skills like problem-solving, communication, and ethical reasoning, a few weeks of focused prep might be enough. During this time, it’s key to get familiar with the test format and practice answering different scenarios.
1 to 2 months: If you need more practice or want to strengthen your skills, preparing over a couple of months can help boost your confidence. Use this time to fine-tune your responses, making sure they’re clear, structured, and highlight the personal traits the test looks for.
Consistent practice: If you can, try working on CASPer sample questions regularly over a few months. This gradual practice helps make these skills feel more natural and gives you time to sharpen your situational judgment in a more relaxed way.
CASPer Sample Questions
Practicing CASPer sample questions is key to building the skills needed to do well on the exam. Getting familiar with the format and different types of scenarios can boost your confidence significantly and improve your overall readiness.
Here are some excellent resources for accessing CASPer sample questions:
Acuity Insights: The official CASPer website provides insights and guidance on preparing for the exam.
Online Forums and Study Groups: Engaging with peers through platforms like Premed 101 or Dalhousie University’s Facebook group Ask A Med Student can provide access to shared resources and experiences.
Study Tips
Once you’ve gathered your study resources, consider using them in the following ways to make the most of your preparation:
Seek Feedback: Consider working with peers, mentors, or professional training programs to review your responses and improve your approach. Gaining outside perspectives can help you see gaps in your reasoning or communication.
Review Past Test Takers’ Experiences: Look for insights from individuals who have already taken the CASPer test. Their experiences can offer helpful tips on how to approach certain scenarios and what common pitfalls to avoid.
Focus on Self-Reflection: The CASPer test evaluates your ability to reflect on your personal values, biases, and experiences. Spend time considering how your past experiences, both personal and professional, shape your decision-making process.
Work on Time Management: Since time is limited during the test, practice answering questions within the set timeframe. This will help you become more comfortable with managing your time while formulating thoughtful responses.
Strengthen Communication Skills: Focus on how clearly and concisely you can express your thoughts. You may have the right answer, but how you communicate it is equally important. Practice giving structured, organized responses that directly address the question.
Stay Calm Under Pressure: The CASPer test is designed to assess how well you can handle stress and make decisions quickly. Engage in mindfulness or stress-reduction techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, to help you stay calm and focused during the exam.
Familiarize Yourself with Ethical Scenarios: Since the CASPer test includes ethical dilemmas, make a habit of reading articles related to basic medical ethics, particularly those related to patient care, confidentiality, and decision-making under pressure. The Canadian Medical Association Journal and AMA Journal of Ethics are great resources for this.
Common Challenges in CASPer Preparation
As you prepare for the CASPer test, you may encounter specific challenges including:
Handling Ambiguity of Dilemmas/Scenarios: The CASPer test often presents scenarios that can be interpreted in multiple ways, which can make it hard to know how to respond. To overcome this challenge, practice regularly with sample questions to become more comfortable navigating complex ethical dilemmas.
Balancing Speed and Depth: The time constraints of the CASPer test require you to think quickly while also providing thoughtful, well-structured responses. Striking the right balance between delivering a rapid answer and ensuring depth in your reasoning can be tough. It’s essential to practice under timed conditions to improve both your speed and the quality of your responses.
Adapting to Test Format: With the new CASPer format featuring both typed and video responses, you may struggle to adjust to this unique setup. Familiarizing yourself with the technology and practicing in a similar environment.
CASPer Test Booking
Booking your CASPer test is a straightforward process:
Begin by registering and creating an account on the Acuity Insights website.
Navigate to the CASPer booking portal once your account is set up.
Under the CASPer 2 category, choose the medical program you are applying to.
Pick a date that aligns with your application timeline. It’s advisable to reserve your spot at least three days before your desired date.
Fill out the necessary personal information and pay the required fees to finalize your registration.
Ensure you have a quiet environment and a reliable internet connection on the test day for a smooth testing experience.
How ‘I Got In’ Can Help You Succeed
At I Got In, we understand the challenges of preparing for the CASPer test. Our dedicated team provides personalized training and resources to help you navigate the exam effectively. We offer:
Comprehensive Study Guides: Tailored materials to cover your specific study needs that cover all necessary topics and skills.
Mock CASPer Test Sessions: Simulated CASPer exams to help you practice under real conditions.
Expert Feedback: Constructive feedback from experts to refine your approach and improve your performance.
Flexible Scheduling: Sessions scheduled around your busy student life.
Our goal is to empower you to succeed in your medical school application journey. With our support, you can confidently approach the CASPer test and enhance your chances of acceptance into your dream program.
Contact Us
Preparing for the CASPer test can seem daunting, but with the right resources and support, you can approach it with confidence. Visit I Got In to learn more about our CASPer training services and schedule a consultation with one of our experts. Together, we can help you unlock your potential and achieve your aspirations in the medical field.
Good luck!
