The Casper exam is a type of situational judgment test (SJT) designed for sampling personal characteristics and professional attributes like ethics and problem-solving skills. It’s not just about what you know; it’s about how you handle real-world situations and communicate under pressure.
The Casper test is part of the Altus Suite (alongside Duet). Your Acuity Insights account is the platform where applicants manage their Altus Suite assessments. This account allows you to sign up for available test dates, complete the exam, and manage where your Casper scores are sent.
If you’re applying to medical school in the 2024/25 application cycle, do your best to take the exam no later than May 2024.
The Casper test used for MD and DO programs may be taken on these days and times in 2024:
New dates will be added to this list as they are scheduled.
Note: Dates for Casper are generally the same, but some test times are not used by some medical programs. Check your preferred programs’ dates and see the most up-to-date schedule by checking the Acuity Insights website (the only official Casper website).
More schools have begun requiring the Casper score along with the primary medical school application. For this reason, we recommend registering for the exam in April or May (early Spring) of the admissions cycle.
You should schedule your Casper test day around the time you complete your secondaries. This ensures your application is complete when admissions committees on your distribution list review it. Don’t wait until right before the distribution deadline to schedule.
Not every school requires Casper as a part of their admissions process. The following MD/or DO schools in the US, Canada, and the Caribbean (MD-granting only) require Casper test scores to apply.
Here is a concise list of preparation tips for the Casper exam:
Read Our In-Depth Guide to Casper Preparation
Casper:
Duet:
Snapshot: No longer required for medical school admissions.
The Casper test is offered on multiple dates throughout the year. The availability of test dates varies depending on the type of program you’re applying to (medical, nursing, etc) and the geographical region or country. Typically, there are over a dozen dates available in any given cycle.
Preparing for the Casper test is unique because it assesses your personal attributes, rather than academic knowledge. You don’t want to prepare last minute, but you also don’t need to study months in advance like the MCAT. Follow our preparation tips above, and you’ll be ready!
To book a Casper test, you must create an account on the official Altus Suite website, select the test type (Casper), and choose your preferred test date and time from the available options.
Casper test results are typically available to designated programs within approximately 2-3 weeks after taking the test.
The key to Casper preparation is understanding the test’s requirements, practicing effectively, and reflecting on your personal and professional experiences. Tailor your preparation to your needs, focusing on thinking critically and communicating clearly under pressure.
Dr. Marinelli has practiced family medicine, served on the University of California Admissions Committee, and has helped hundreds of students get into medical school. She spearheads a team of physician advisors who guide MedSchoolCoach students.