Detailed CASPer Test Introduction here

Worth up to a full third of your pre-interview score, how would you prepare when the acceptance rate is less than 5%?

CASPer questions are used to assess professional and personal behavior, as that has been shown to be the chief factor in patient complaints and dissatisfaction. In many ways it is more objective than the Multiple-Mini Interview (MMI) because it is delivered anonymously and graded by a more diverse group of assessors.

In that sense it may more closely resemble the Situational Judgement Test being examined and rolled out by many companies as well as the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges)

To get some perspective from the universities, refer to the NYMC FAQ here, a general info page here. McMaster uses CASPer to determine eligibility to advance to interview (MMI). This we imagine will be the natural evolution of most colleges as CASPer gains wider acceptance.

CASPer™ Test Information - Structure

CASPer™ (Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal characteristics) is a 90-minute computerized test, comprising of 12 questions, typically 3 probing word-based questions, and 9 video scenarios.

The video scenario states your role in an ethical dilemma presented in the following 1-2 minute video. It then gives 3 open-ended questions about the problem presented. You have 5 minutes to answer the all 3 questions.

The word-based questions presents a short statement, then also follows with 3 open-ended questions on your experience and position on the topic, to be answered in 5 minutes.

There is also an optional 15-minute break midway through the test.

Make sure to also read the sample content provided by Altus Assessments.RWF Training presents a real timed test simulation with both video and word questions.

CASPer Test Information - Scoring

CASPer is not as subjective as advertised! A little preparation can double your score.

As CASPer gains popularity with colleges and universities, the impact of preparation becomes greater, as we have found quality of answers have skewed downward as a greater number of candidates come to it unprepared. Standing out is now easier than ever with some practice!

Each CASPer question is graded anonymously by an experienced professional, not necessarily with a medical background. They assign a numerical score on the overall response, and an average is computed. Since the test is distributed among multiple raters, it provides a robust gauge of your professional characteristics.

This guide presents scoring guides and background theory to each question to help you understand what constitutes a strong answer.

Note that unlike a traditional essay format, the rater doesn’t ‘get to know’ you. Even if a rater grades more than one question from the same respondent, they wouldn't know. Thus, each answer must be completely self-contained.

Raters are instructed to disregard grammar and spelling errors, as well as not penalize for answers cut short due to the time constraints. However, well-written answers present a superior feeling of overall quality. Bullet point answers are to be avoided, and brevity is only as advantageous as your concision.

In order to maximally differentiate answers, a bare-bones answer doesn’t score a '50%', it might get a 20%!

That is equivalent to a 19 point gap on the new MCAT!

CASPer is required for:

• McMaster Medical School
• Dalhousie Medical School
• University of Ottawa (uOttawa) Medical School
• Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School (Rutgers RWJ)
• New York Medical College (NYMC)
• University of Michigan
• University of Illinois (UIC) College of Medicine
• Ross University
• Central Michigan University College of Medicine (CMU)
• West Virginia University (WVU)
• Quilen College of Medicine East Tennesse State University
• Medical College of Wisconsin
• Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science
• University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
• Florida Atlantic University (FAU)

Nursing

• McMaster University
• York University (some programs)
• University of British Columbia (UBC)
• Laval University
• Conestoga College, Mohawk College
• Nipissing University
• St. Francis Xavier University
• Trent University

Dental School

• University of Montreal
• McGill University
• University of British Columbia (UBS)

Veterinary School

• University of Montreal
• University of New Zealand - Massy University

Pharmacy School / Optometry School

• University of Waterloo
• University of Montreal
• University of Laval

As well as some Teachers Education, Social Work, and Speech Therapy programs throughout the world, including graduate and medical schools and programs in Australia and New Zealand.The weight of your CASPer score varies from hardly significant to as much as your MCAT.