College of Human Medicine To Require CASPer Test Starting In Upcoming Admissions Cycle

Beginning in the 2019-2020 admissions cycle, the College of Human Medicine Office of Admissions is adding the CASPer test as one of the application requirements.

Part of the overall holistic review process, the CASPer furthers our efforts for a robust evaluation. A more focused preliminary review, in particular, will help the Office of Admissions in better determining which applicants receive interview invites.

Standing for Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics, CASPer is an online assessment that recognizes both personal and professional characteristics, such as ethics, resiliency, empathy, communication, collaboration and more.

By way of being a situational judgment test, the exam determines behavioral tendencies and assesses how an individual will behave in certain situations.


FORMAT
The CASPer is made up of 12 sections and takes about 90 minutes to complete with an optional 15-minute break halfway through.

Sections include video- and written-based scenarios as well as several open-ended questions. These scenarios are not specific to clinical or classroom experiences, but are more general to life. Students can review some sample scenarios at the CASPer site.

No studying is required for CASPer, although you may want to familiarize yourself with the test structure and ensure you have a quiet environment to take the test.

To register and take the exam, applicants will need identification, a valid email address, an internet connection, and a working webcam. There is also a fee.

COST
The cost to take the CASPer is $10. An additional $10 will be charged for each of the schools that you've listed to receive the results. Those benefiting from the AAMC Fee Assistance Program though can waive the registration fee.

RATINGS
Each section of a completed test is scored by a different, unique rater and your responses are anonymous. This means the CASPer score is made up of 12 independent impressions, allowing them "to dilute any bias that one rater’s subjectivity may bring to the table."

Keep in mind that raters are trained to ignore errors in spelling and grammar, instead focusing on substance.

It is also important to note that the CASPer is different from many tests such as, say, the MCAT, in that the score is not released to the applicant, only to the schools. After about three weeks of processing, your results will automatically be distributed directly to the programs you indicated. Your scores are valid for one, single application cycle.

DATES
Test dates for the upcoming cycle will be released in late March. Stay tuned! Once the full dates are released, we will update the CASPer page on our website as well as our website calendar. We'll also share the dates across all of our social media platforms.

EDIT: CASPer Test Dates have now been announced for the 2019-2020 cycle! More test dates will be announced and you can see a whole list at the CASPer Test Dates page. 

The CASPer administrators recommend that you register for a test at least three days before your preferred date/time to allow for account verification and payment processing.

Again, your scores are only valid for one application cycle. Those who have taken the test in the prior cycle and plan to reapply in the next cycle will need to take the CASPer again. Visit the CASPer website for more information. If you have any questions regarding our admissions requirements, feel free to reach out to the Office of Admissions.

Best of luck!

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