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Diggili Skippili
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- StealthEx
CASPER is an Acuity Insights situational judgment test designed to measure professionalism and non-cognitive skills such as teamwork, communication and ethics. Many medical schools use Casper in their admissions processes.
Some applicants have voiced concerns over the process, particularly its lack of transparency in regards to score calculations and who rates tests. One applicant even published a TikTok video criticizing the company and its practices.
Developed by McMaster University
McMaster University developed and now uses the Computerized Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer) test as part of its admissions evaluations for medical schools, to increase fairness. This online situational judgment test assesses empathy, professionalism and critical thinking abilities – key elements for competitive medical programs.
The test comprises two parts, video response-based scenarios and written response-based scenarios. Each scenario presents a dilemma, and you are required to consider different perspectives on it before justifying and defending your opinion on it against competing viewpoints.
Applicant do not receive their individual scores; rather they are given a percentile rank and quartile rank based on how well they performed on various scenarios. These scores are determined using a Z-score, which takes an applicant’s raw mean score and compares it against that of other applicants’ raw mean scores.
Acuity Insights administers the test
Casper is a situational judgement test designed to evaluate applicants’ non-academic abilities. It consists of video- and text-based scenarios with open-ended questions that can be taken on any computer with internet access without installing intrusive proctoring software, and up to once per admission cycle it may be taken.
Measure empathy, professionalism and communication to provide a cost effective alternative to traditional medical school admissions assessments such as personal statements or essays with interviews.
This test generally takes 90-110 minutes to complete and contains 14 scenarios; eight require typed responses while six involve video-based content. Taking the exam costs $85; there may also be additional costs involved with distributing scores to programs. In addition to this exam, Acuity Insights administers Snapshot and Duet assessments which measure value alignment and interview skills respectively.
It’s a video-based test
The Casper Test is a video-based assessment designed to measure social interpretation and critical thinking skills. Designed to simulate real-life decision-making processes and ethical reasoning under time pressure, the test comprises two sections – video response (where test taker has one minute per question in video response section) and text based (five questions total in text response section) with test taker having five minutes per question).
Exam-takers must respond quickly and clearly in the limited amount of time provided, which necessitates taking official CASPer practice tests – these can be found online – as well as free typing and medical ethics practice exams. To increase performance on tests it is wise to prepare by taking official CASPER practice tests as well as free typing and medical ethics practice exams available free online.
As it’s also essential that there are no distractions during a test, if you live with roommates it would be wise to ask them not to use Wi-Fi for entertainment or gaming and keep their phones away from the computer during this test period.
It’s a skill-based test
Casper is an innovative, evidence-based tool that helps admissions teams understand applicants beyond GPA and test score data. This tool helps admissions teams identify individuals possessing essential traits like empathy and resilience needed for professional success without creating bias in admissions processes.
At the test, applicants respond to questions either via video or typing. Practice tests can help applicants get familiar with this format and prepare for questions that assess skills such as active listening, reading comprehension, and writing comprehension. They should also practice typing speed and accuracy, since test takers must complete responses quickly.
Many medical schools use the CASPer as part of their holistic admissions process to assess soft skills such as empathy and judgment among candidates for admissions.
It’s a standardized test
Casper scores are determined by comparing an applicant’s responses with those of their peers during a standardized test, split into two sections: video response section and typed response section, each featuring 14 scenarios evaluated by different raters. While there are no right or wrong answers for these tests, clues provide insight into what raters expect applicants to demonstrate.
The Casper assessment is an open-response situational judgment test administered by Acuity Insights that features fictional scenarios for students to respond to either in writing or video form. It measures empathy and professionalism skills necessary for medical school study, and over 54 American medical schools use this assessment for admissions consideration; many dental, veterinary and nursing programs also employ it during their admissions processes.
