As CHM Moves to Utilize CASPer Test, Scores Will Be Used In Determining Interview Invitations

The College of Human Medicine Office of Admissions has announced that we will be requiring the CASPer test as part of our admissions requirements beginning in the2019-2020 application cycle.

The first set of testing dates through June have now officially been announced! But beyond the testing dates, there are many things to know about CASPer and you can read our announcement to learn more about the online assessment tool, including information on the format, cost, and rating system.

Along with that initial information, it's also important to note that each school who uses the CASPer test may utilize those scores in their own individual way and at different points of the process. This brings us to why and how the College of Human Medicine decided to adopt the CASper.

So...Why CASPer?

As we've mentioned before (here, here, and here), the trend in medical school admissions has been to take a more holistic approach in admitting what are to become well-rounded physicians. Many medical school programs have begun implementing tools like the multiple-mini interview (MMI) to make sure that students, beyond academic prowess, also possess the suitable personal characteristics a physician needs in modern medicine.

Our admissions office is no stranger to adopting measures that would make the process more equitable and has taken a holistic approach for a number of years. In fact, we adopted the MMI relatively early—the first medical school in Michigan to do so and one of the initial schools in the region. As resources for applicants and programs have increased, it is now more viable to incorporate a variety of different tools in the admissions process that help to further holism in review.

Some schools may use the CASPer in place of an MMI. Others may use the test to compliment the MMI with the CASPer score being a factor in the final committee decision. Still utilizing the MMI as well as the CASPer, the College of Human Medicine, however, will be using the CASPer score at the initial review portion of the process. This allows applicants to demonstrate those soft skills earlier.

That is important because the College of Human Medicine does not use GPA/MCAT cutoffs. Some schools that receive thousands of applications may bring the numbers down to a manageable amount by screening through academic metrics and cutoffs. However, in doing so, they may miss out on great applicants that potentially possess excellent soft skills.

With an increasing number of applicants—we received close to 8,000 AMCAS applications in 2018, the first time the pool went over 7,200 in the college's history—the Office of Admissions will be utilizing the score to help determine which applicants are best suited for an interview invitation.

Simply put, the CASPer gives us an even better opportunity to assess who is the right fit for our medical school. At the end of the day, it's all about fit.


When is CASPer?

The College of Human Medicine will be accepting CASPer scores from tests taken within a window of upcoming dates that you can find on our website's CASPer Test page. Each school has it's own window of acceptable dates, so do take note of those differences. For the College of Human Medicine, our dates will typically range from late spring to early winter.

The CASPer administrators recommended 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 last cycle and plan to reapply in the next cycle will need to take the CASPer in one of the dates above.

You won't be alone. The test has gained considerable popularity as about 50% of all U.S. medical school applicants will have had to complete CASPer at some point during their application process.

Much like the MMI, there isn't necessarily a way to prepare for the test as it isn't so much about right or wrong answers as it is about why you would take certain courses of action in the given scenarios. The folks at CASPer have released some advice and "Tips to Help You Better Prepare for the CASPer Test."

Still, it's always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the format and rules of the test as much as possible. Because it's administered online, make sure you meet all the technical requirements necessary to take the test. Lastly, be you and try to have fun—make the most of the experience! 

Feel free to reach out to the Office of Admissions with any questions. Best of luck!

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