The CASPer Test, short for Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics, has become an integral component of the medical school admissions process. Designed to evaluate personal and professional attributes crucial for success in the medical field, this open-response situational judgment test provides a holistic assessment of applicants. In this article, we will delve into the significant aspects of the CASPer Test, including its purpose, format, preparation, cost, scoring, and the medical schools that utilize it.
Understanding the CASPer Test:
The CASPer Test is an online examination used by medical schools to assess an applicant’s non-cognitive skills, such as collaboration, problem-solving, ethics, and empathy. It allows aspiring medical students to demonstrate their communication abilities and showcases their alignment with the values and principles of the programs they are applying to.
The Format of the CASPer Test:
The CASPer Test consists of 14 dilemmas or scenarios, each followed by two questions. Applicants are given five minutes to respond to each question. This unique format incorporates video responses via webcam and typed responses. The entire test generally takes between 90 to 110 minutes to complete.
Preparing for the CASPer Test:
Although the CASPer test does not require traditional studying like the MCAT, it is recommended to familiarize oneself with the test format. Reviewing sample CASPer scenarios or practice cases can provide valuable insight into the types of situations and questions that may be encountered during the actual test. This preparation allows applicants to feel more confident when responding to the scenarios presented.
The Cost of the CASPer Test:
To take the CASPer test, there is a base fee of $10. Additionally, an extra $10 is charged per school that receives an applicant’s scores. While this cost might seem daunting, it is vital to consider the potential benefits of gaining admission into prestigious medical programs.
Understanding CASPer Scores:
The CASPer test is unique in that it assesses applicants’ responses to each scenario based on content rather than spelling or grammar. Each of the 15 scenarios is scored independently by contracted test raters. This scoring system provides a fair evaluation of applicants’ personal characteristics, as raters focus solely on the content and ignore minor linguistic errors.
Medical Schools that use the CASPer Test:
The list of medical schools that adopt the CASPer test changes annually. Currently, more than 60 United States-based medical schools and around a dozen residency programs employ the CASPer test as part of their admission process. This increasing number of institutions embracing the CASPer test highlights its significance in evaluating applicants’ non-cognitive skills.
Conclusion:
The CASPer Test plays a vital role in the admissions process for medical schools. By assessing personal characteristics and non-cognitive skills, it offers a holistic understanding of each applicant, enabling medical schools to identify individuals who align with their core values. Prospective medical students should prepare well for the CASPer Test by familiarizing themselves with the test format and practicing sample scenarios. With proper preparation, applicants can increase their chances of success in this important assessment.
