Detailed CASPer Test Introduction here
CASPer is required for entrance into McMaster, UOttawa, Central Michigan (CMU), Rutgers, New York Medical College (NYMC), University of Illinois, West Virginia University, East Tennessee State (Quillen College), University of Vermont, Ross University, and Tulane University Medical colleges, as well as McMaster, Conestoga, Mohawk, and certain York University nursing programs. It even sees use in optometry schools, veterinary schools, and as far as New Zealand
Worth up to a full third of your pre-interview score, how would you prepare when the acceptance rate is < 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, and NYMC Secondary info 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
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!
