How to Prepare for the Casper Test to Get Into Medical School (2024)
/Learn what’s covered, when to take it, and how to study. Plus, Casper practice test questions and answers
Learn everything you need to know to ace the casper test
----
Part 1: Introduction to the Casper test
If you’re applying to medical school, you know that there are plenty of medical school requirements to keep track of. Some, like your personal statement and letters of recommendation, might seem self-explanatory. Others, like the MCAT, you’ve probably been hearing about for years. Then there’s the Casper, which might leave you scratching your head if you’re not already familiar with it.
What is the Casper test?
Casper (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) is a situational judgment test (SJT) developed by researchers at McMaster University in Canada. It aims to measure traits like professionalism, ethics, communication, and empathy. Medical schools may use it instead of or in addition to the traditional medical school interview.
The test developers claim that traditional methods for evaluating applicants’ personal characteristics (e.g., personal statements and other essays, letters of recommendation, and standard interviews) are ineffective. They also claim that Casper provides adcoms with a reliable measure of professionalism, ethics, communication, and empathy.
Originally a standalone test administered by Altus Assessments, Casper is now administered by Acuity Insights as part of a trio of assessments. In addition to Casper, Acuity administers Snapshot, a one-way video response tool, and Duet, a value-alignment questionnaire that evaluates your fit with medical schools.
(Note: While some schools required Snapshot during the 2022-2023 cycle, there was an announcement in 2023 that Snapshot will no longer be required by any programs starting with the 2023-2024 cycle.)
(Further reading: Casper, Snapshot, and Duet: Everything You Need to Know)
Which medical schools require the Casper test?
Not all medical schools require Casper, but the number that do is steadily increasing. You can find a current list of medical schools that require the Casper test at the end of this guide.
----
Part 2: Casper test logistics
How do I sign up for the Casper test?
You can sign up for the Casper test through the Acuity Insights website.
How much does it cost to take Casper?
For the 2024-2025 test cycle, the non-refundable test fee for American students is $85, which covers distributing your results for all three assessments to seven schools. Sending test results to additional programs costs $18 per program.
When is the Casper test offered? When should I take it?
The Casper test is offered at least once a month, with most test dates available in the summer and early fall. It can be taken on any computer with an internet connection (Acuity explicitly discourages using a tablet or other mobile device to take the test). Specific test dates can be found on the Acuity Insights website.
Acuity Insights recommends registering for the exam at least three days before your test date to allow enough time for account verification and payment processing.
Remember that different schools have different deadlines for taking Casper. The last possible test date for each medical school that requires it is listed at the end of this guide.
However, just because a school might let you take the Casper until November or January doesn’t mean you should put it off until then. We recommend that you register for the Casper test in April or May of your application year and take the exam while preparing your primaries (i.e., your AMCAS application)—or soon after—because a few schools have begun requiring a Casper score before they review your application. You want your Casper results to reach med schools by the time you submit your secondary applications in July.
(Further reading: The Ideal Medical School Application Timeline)
How long does it take for Casper to be scored and sent to medical schools?
It takes 2–3 weeks for your Casper exam to be scored and distributed to the med schools on your list.
How long will my Casper results be valid?
Your Casper scores will be valid for a single application cycle and only for the program type (e.g., allopathic medical schools) for which you took the test.
Are testing accommodations offered for the Casper test?
Yes. To be considered for accommodations, Casper requires that you submit a formal request and supporting documentation (e.g., a psychoeducational assessment report) at least three weeks before your test date. You can learn more about Casper accommodations here.
Can I add schools to the distribution list even after taking the Casper test?
Yes. You can add programs to your distribution list even after taking the test as long as they are still accepting scores. You can learn how to add schools here.
----
Part 3: Casper test format and preparation
What format does the Casper test follow?
For the 2023-2024 application cycle, the Casper format changed again, this time to be shortened from the previous year. You can view a summary of the changes here.
For the 2024-2025 application cycle, Casper comprises 14 scenarios, with 8 typed-response scenarios and 6 video-based scenarios [similar to what you will encounter during a multiple mini interview (MMI)].
In the video response section, there are 4 video-based scenarios and 2 word-based scenarios, for a total of 6 questions.
In the typed response section, there are 5 video-based scenarios and 3 word-based scenarios, for a total of 8 questions.
This year, the order of the video and written portions of the test will be reversed, so you’ll be required to answer the video section first and then the written section afterward. Acuity Insights claims this is to help reduce the interference of technical issues by catching them earlier in administering the test.
The test is expected to take 90-110 minutes.
The questions may or may not directly relate to medicine (most are not). You can view sample Casper questions through an official practice test, which you can access by logging in to your Acuity Insights account. In addition, we provide practice questions—with sample responses—in the next section.
Video-based scenarios include the following:
A description of your role (e.g., “You are a friend.”)
A 1- to 2-minute video
Two open-ended questions given one after the other (e.g., “How would you advise your friend in this situation?”)
You will have one minute to record your response.
Word-based scenarios include the following:
A short statement to consider (e.g., “Think of a time you were pressured to compromise your values.”)
Three open-ended questions given altogether
You will have 5 minutes to answer all three questions.
How is Casper scored?
A different person scores each of the 14 sections. Test scorers (known as Raters) are told to focus on answer content and to ignore spelling, grammar, and syntax errors. Moreover, if the timer for a given scenario expires while you’re still typing your responses, scorers will consider all content you’ve written, including incomplete sentences and bullet points, and attempt to understand your train of thought.
Similarly, Raters are trained to evaluate the thoughtfulness and intent behind your responses rather than simply your position, so you should explain why you chose that position as much as possible.
In the past, Altus (now Acuity Insights) has disclosed that each Casper scenario is scored on a 1–9 scale. However, as of May 2022, they do not provide information about how scores are produced on their site.
Additionally, applicants do not receive their actual Casper score. Acuity Insights mentions that you will receive the quartile your Casper score placed you in. This means you will know how you scored in relation to other test takers. They state they do this to maintain “a level playing field” for applicants and to respect various programs' admissions processes.
The quartile you place in reflects how your answer for a particular scenario fared relative to other test takers’ answers for that same scenario. They don’t detail how test takers place into a higher quartile other than saying it could be for “a number of reasons.” Although, these reasons will be based on the qualities Casper measures, namely:
Effort
Empathy
Equity
Communication
Familiarity with the medium (video or typed test)
Since the 2023–2024 application cycle, programs will receive an aggregate Casper score based on the applicant’s typed and video responses.
Is it necessary to study for the Casper test?
The test developers claim that situational judgment tests like Casper are relatively immune to test prep; studying for Casper is unlikely to boost your score. However, some research has demonstrated that applicants do benefit somewhat from advanced preparation.
While this doesn’t mean that you need to study for Casper, we recommend you do the following before taking the test:
Ensure you can type at least 40 words per minute without major grammatical errors. (We recommend this free typing speed test.)
Reflect on challenging experiences and personal weaknesses and failures, and practice concisely sharing lessons learned.
Practice answering a few sample questions.
Brush up on medical ethics as necessary (the University of Washington School of Medicine provides an excellent ethics resource).
How important is the Casper test?
Applicants want to know how much Casper matters when medical schools review their applications. Will a low Casper score derail an otherwise impressive application? Will an excellent score help an average candidate stand out?
Unfortunately, little information exists on how heavily medical schools in the U.S. weigh Casper or its role in the application review process.
If you’re applying to Canadian medical schools, you’re more likely to find this information readily available. For instance, McMaster University Medical School discloses that Casper scores account for 32 percent of the formula determining whether an applicant will be invited to interview—the same weight given to GPAs and MCAT scores. At McGill, Casper scores make up 20 percent of the pre-interview formula.
American medical schools tend to be less straightforward about how they use Casper. Many schools offer loose explanations, like Michigan State, which states that “in implementing Casper, the aim is to further enhance our robust holistic review process.” Other schools reveal even less.
On top of this, because the 2021–2022 application cycle was the first cycle in which all applicants could view their score quartiles, there isn’t yet enough anecdotal evidence to help us reliably understand how scores may correlate with admissions results.
In all probability, the importance and use of your Casper score will vary from school to school. Given the ever-increasing numbers of applications that med schools receive, it’s possible that some schools use Casper as a screening tool to weed out the very lowest scorers. Many likely use it more holistically to provide context for your other application materials. And other schools may still be in the pilot phase with Casper, collecting data but not yet using it to make admissions decisions.
Should your Casper score determine which medical schools you apply to?
No. While it’s currently impossible to say exactly what role Casper scores play in a medical school’s admissions process, most medical schools likely view Casper as a lesser admissions factor. We don’t recommend adjusting your medical school list based on your Casper score.
Further underlining this is Acuity’s official explanation: “Whichever quartile your Casper score is placed, it should not dissuade you from applying to any program. Many programs consider all quartiles and use Casper as an additional piece of information among many metrics to make admissions decisions.”
----
Part 4: Casper practice questions and answers
Now that we’ve explored the logistics and format of the Casper test, you can prepare for the test using a series of practice questions. We’ll walk you through examples of the types of scenarios and questions you’ll be given on the Casper test. We’ll offer you a framework for thinking about each scenario, as well as sample responses and rationale for why these answers work.
To get the maximum benefit from this Casper preparation exercise, start by reviewing the practice question videos and reading the corresponding questions. For your convenience, we’ve also provided written synopses below as an alternative to the videos.
Then, read the framework we’ve offered as a way for you to approach the scenario, set a timer, and write your own responses. After five minutes, stop wherever you are—even if you haven’t answered all the questions—and compare your responses with ours. Lastly, read the explanation for why our answers work.
The goal isn’t to have the same responses as the ones you see here. You want to practice identifying and addressing the key components of each scenario. So if we cover an idea you didn’t consider, take note and remember to address it when you take the real Casper test.
Let’s start your Casper preparation with these scenarios.
Casper practice question #1: Paternity leave
(Note: This question corresponds to Video scenario example #1: Paternity leave)
Here’s the first video synopsis and the related set of questions:
A co-worker whose wife is pregnant is conflicted whether or not to take paternity leave. He and his wife would both like him to spend time at home with the baby, but doing so might take him out of consideration for an upcoming promotion at work. Should he prioritize family or career? In addition, his industry doesn’t seem to support men who take paternity leave. A former colleague was penalized for taking leave and spent years stuck in the same position before finally leaving the company. As his co-worker, what do you think he should do?
Would you recommend he take paternity leave? Why or why not?
What strategies could you offer to help him make a decision that he feels comfortable with?
Maintaining a work-life balance can be challenging. Why do you think people struggle to find balance?
In this Casper practice scenario, you want to demonstrate your empathy and problem-solving skills. How will you support your co-worker and help him find a positive solution to his dilemma?
Think about how the key ideas of the situation might relate to a physician’s experience. In this scenario, the principle of patient autonomy stands out. Your co-worker has the right to make his own decisions concerning his life—as a patient makes their own decisions concerning their health. Your role is to provide the best information so they can make an informed decision.
These are our sample responses:
Would you recommend he take paternity leave? Why or why not? Before making a recommendation, I would first gather more information. I would find the company’s HR policy on paternity leave and review it with my co-worker. Once we understood the policy, I would help my co-worker clarify his priorities in an accepting, non-judgmental way. Does he prioritize spending this time with his wife and child or securing a promotion to help him provide for them financially? Using the policy to inform us, I would support my co-worker in making a priority-based decision.
What strategies could you offer to help him make a decision that he feels comfortable with? I would encourage my co-worker to gather information on the company culture surrounding paternity leave from multiple perspectives—including HR, his boss, and other colleagues who’ve taken leave. I would suggest he weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each option, both short-term and long-term.
Maintaining a work-life balance can be challenging. Why do you think people struggle to find balance? Sustaining work-life balance is challenging in today’s society because technology makes everyone easily accessible. This allows work matters to intrude on non-work time. Employers sometimes demand too much from their employees, and employees may struggle to define their work-life boundaries. Additionally, everyone’s ideal work-life balance is unique—some may feel balanced during 60-hour workweeks, while others would be overwhelmed. Maintaining work-life balance is in everyone’s best interest because it improves productivity and overall health.
Let’s look at why these answers work.
The responses highlight the value of gaining multiple perspectives instead of accepting assumptions as truth. This is an important practice to follow as a physician, where making accurate diagnoses requires critical thinking, a dash of skepticism, and reviewing information from several sources.
The answers also demonstrate an understanding of how to support someone through the process of finding information, considering long-term consequences, and making decisions based on their priorities. An effective physician takes their personal priorities out of the equation when helping a patient make a difficult choice.
Casper practice question #2: Store policy exception
(Note: This question corresponds to Video scenario example #2: Store policy exception)
This the second video synopsis:
You’re the manager at a retail store. A man tries to return a toy for a refund but doesn’t have the original receipt. Due to store policy, the cashier states she can only offer him store credit. The man says his daughter came down with pneumonia, and he needs the cash to fill her prescriptions. He asks the cashier to make a policy exception for him. She turns to you. What do you think she should do?
As the store manager, would you give this customer a refund? Why or why not?
If you decide to abide by store policy, how could you refuse the refund in a way that shows empathy for the customer?
In your opinion, what is the most essential quality to possess in a customer service position? Explain your response.
For this Casper practice scenario, there’s no “right or wrong” answer. The important thing to discuss is your process of weighing two conflicting priorities—company policy and customer well-being. You’ll want to demonstrate how you would pursue a win-win solution to the best of your ability, thinking through consequences and big-picture outcomes of your choices. And whether or not you decide to make a policy exception, you must display high levels of empathy and professionalism.
These are our sample responses:
As the store manager, would you give this customer a refund? Why or why not? I would first take the customer aside to have a private conversation and seek more information about his situation. I would empathize with his worry over his daughter’s health and want to help him if possible. I would consider two options—does the store contribute to charity or give back to the community? If so, I could issue a refund from the store’s charitable fund. If not, I would consider altering the store refund policy. I would add a clause saying refunds could be issued without a receipt based on the manager’s discretion. I would also set a limit to the refund amounts to prevent the company from suffering financial harm.
If you decide to abide by store policy, how could you refuse the refund in a way that shows empathy for the customer? I would actively listen to his situation and validate his feelings of concern for his daughter. In a compassionate manner, I would apologize and explain I was unable to make an exception. I would try to offer alternative solutions to his problem—for example, recommend he inquire about a prescription payment plan or more affordable generic medication.
In your opinion, what is the most essential quality to possess in a customer service position? Explain your response. I believe empathetic listening and respectful communication are essential to customer service. While a customer’s request may need to be denied, the customer-provider relationship can be preserved if the customer feels they have been listened to and respected. This Maya Angelou quote summarizes effective customer service, “People will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
Here’s why these responses work:
They demonstrate a concern for the customer while balancing the store policy and needs. Pulling the customer into a private conversation shows him compassion and professionalism. A solution was first sought within current store practice—making the refund a charitable contribution. Next, the policy itself was examined and altered to better serve customers. These solutions are guided by precedent and consideration of long-term implications.
As a physician, you have to balance your patients’ best interests with the rules and guidelines governing your organization or practice. Under proper medical ethics, physicians are expected to criticize and seek change to policies that harm the well-being of patients.
Casper practice question #3: Social media suspicion
(Note: This question corresponds to Video scenario example #3: Social media suspicion)
Here’s the third Casper practice video synopsis:
Your project group members are frustrated because one member—Paul—left the group last minute, leaving everyone else with a lot of work to complete before the approaching deadline. Paul said he had to leave the group due to a worsening medical condition, but your classmate sees a photo of him at a pool party on social media. Your group members are conflicted. One wants to report Paul to the academic coordinator so he doesn’t receive a grade for the group project he left. But your other classmate doesn’t want to do anything without having all the facts—maybe it’s an old photo, after all. It’s your call, what should you do?
What do you recommend to your group members?
Do you think it is okay to report a concern to a supervisor based on a suspicion? Why or why not?
Do you believe that one false or inappropriate post on social media can have a lasting effect on someone’s career? Explain your response.
In this Casper practice scenario, you have to balance multiple perspectives and priorities, while resolving the conflict between your two remaining group members. You’ll want to show how you consider alternative possibilities before jumping to conclusions and making potentially false accusations. And considering you and your classmate have grades on the line, you need to demonstrate how you would show maturity and adhere to your moral code despite the personal risk.
These are our sample responses:
What do you recommend to your group members? I would ask to get more information before acting. I would meet Paul in person and determine if the photo was new or old. If he’s truly ill and it was an old photo, I would ask how I could support him. If it’s a new photo, I would express the group’s concerns about the justice of the situation. If he’s able to attend a party, is he able to contribute to the project and his own grade? I would give him the option to rejoin the group and complete the project with us. If he refused, I would explain the situation to the academic coordinator to protect my and the other group members’ grades.
Do you think it is okay to report a concern to a supervisor based on a suspicion? Why or why not? It’s my responsibility to make an effort to verify a concern before reporting it to my supervisor. If after seeking more information, I couldn’t verify or disprove my concern, I would weigh the costs of staying silent or making a report. As a physician, if I suspected someone was putting a patient’s life in danger, I would report my suspicion. I would trust my supervisor to use their resources to investigate the matter further and make a final decision.
Do you believe that one false or inappropriate post on social media can have a lasting effect on someone’s career? Explain your response. Yes, social media posts have the power to impact a person’s career. Recently we’ve seen celebrities attacked for offensive posts they made in the past, even if their current views have changed. Professionals, especially those who require the public’s trust like physicians do, should consider how their actions on social media could be interpreted by others.
Why do these answers work?
They demonstrate the steps of gathering more information and giving the group member a chance to make the right decision before reporting his actions. According to medical ethics, physicians should have a commitment to being fair, and these sample responses display a desire to see justice done.
The second response addresses the difficulty of dealing with ambiguity, which occurs in the life of every professional. In the medical field, when patients’ lives are at risk, doctors must think and act quickly, balancing the priority of giving someone the benefit of the doubt with the imperative to promote their patients’ well-being. Showing you understand the complexity of these decisions indicate you will handle them appropriately when they arise in your practice.
Casper practice question #4: Company drug policy
You are sharing a hotel room with a co-worker, Lisa, during a business trip. She’s left her suitcase open and you notice a vial of marijuana in it. You ask Lisa about it and she tells you that she is epileptic and that it’s medical marijuana. Medical cannabis is legal in your state; however, your workplace has a strict no-drugs policy. What would you do?
Part of your company’s drug policy includes reporting other employees who disobey the policy. Would you report Lisa?
Say Lisa tells you that she only uses marijuana during off-work hours. Would that change your course of action?
Which is more important: Lisa’s medical needs or your company’s drug policy?
The primary consideration in this scenario is a person’s well-being vs. workplace policy. In thinking through your answers, you’ll want to exhibit empathy towards Lisa, plus prioritize her health, while also demonstrating that you take professionalism and rules seriously. Another aspect to consider is the current political and legal debates surrounding cannabis use and how these debates may or may not be relevant to your positions.
Here are our sample responses:
Part of your company’s drug policy includes reporting other employees who disobey the policy. Would you report Lisa? As Lisa’s co-worker rather than her supervisor or doctor, I would take her at her word that marijuana is beneficial for her epilepsy and that her usage is legal. However, I would want to know more about how her usage interacts with our company’s drug policy. For example, I’d ask her if our supervisors are aware that she uses marijuana medicinally and whether she uses it during work hours. I would also read the language of the drug policy to gain a clearer understanding of its strictures and intent—for instance, it would be useful to know if marijuana is specifically named or if the policy simply bans illegal substances. Given how quickly cannabis laws are changing these days, it seems plausible that the policy was written at a time when it was still illegal. Because medical cannabis is legal in our state, not to mention increasingly socially accepted, if I did determine that her usage clearly violated the drug policy, I would first encourage her to speak with our supervisor or HR rep before I filed a complaint. I think it is possible that her medical needs might qualify as an exception.
Say Lisa tells you that she only uses marijuana during off-work hours. Would that change your course of action? It depends on the language of the drug policy. For example, if the policy states that employees cannot use drugs on the job, then I would not see a problem with Lisa using medical marijuana outside of work. While a business trip does fall into a gray area, I would be inclined to consider there to still be a difference between active work hours and off-the-clock personal time.
Which is more important: Lisa’s medical needs or your company’s drug policy? As a future physician, I believe that the health and well-being of individuals should always be prioritized. At the same time, professionalism and ethics are also important—to me, this means honesty and respect and adherence to rules. Lisa’s situation clearly falls under multiple gray areas that I imagine will come to the forefront of debate as the legal status of cannabis continues to evolve.
Why do these answers work?
This is tricky situation without clear-cut “right” answers. Nevertheless, these responses display a respect for key medical ethics, such as Lisa’s autonomy to determine her own healthcare and the prioritization of her well-being.
The respondent also shows that they take the company policy seriously. At the same time, they don’t display a desire to punish Lisa, which might be seen as lacking empathy. Instead, they attempt to understand the nuances of the situation and take into account the legal and political complexities before taking action.
Casper practice question #5: Plagiarism suspicion
You’re a college professor. One of your students struggles with writing and typically does not turn in high-quality papers. Halfway through the semester, you notice that the quality of his work dramatically improves. You suspect that he may be plagiarizing, but you are unable to find any evidence that the work is not his own. How would you handle this?
Would you confront this student? What would you say?
Say the student was on probation and would certainly be expelled if he were found guilty of plagiarism. How would this affect your course of action?
How important do you think it is to give people the benefit of the doubt?
In this situation, you’re asked to weigh a potential ethical breach against giving someone the benefit of the doubt. However you handle these questions, you’ll want to show that you can act professionally and compassionately in light of any suspicions, and that you can attempt to hold someone accountable without rushing to conclusions, especially given the potential weight of a plagiarism accusation.
Let’s take a look at our sample responses:
Would you confront this student? What would you say? I would meet with the student and ask him how the course is going for him. I would say, “It’s great to see you getting the material and improving your writing. What’s made such a big difference for you? How did you approach writing this paper?” I would follow up with other detailed questions about the course material and writing process. I believe that giving him the opportunity to show he does understand the material well and offer alternative explanations would be the respectful thing to do. For example, maybe he’s working with a tutor, or perhaps there was an extenuating circumstance earlier in the semester that’s cleared up. Because a plagiarism accusation is serious—and it is crucial in this situation to note that there is no hard evidence—his responses to these questions would determine whether or not I would decide to move forward with asking if the work was his own.
Say the student was on probation and would certainly be expelled if he were found guilty of plagiarism. How would this affect your course of action? I believe that plagiarism is a serious offense for any student, so knowing a student could be expelled wouldn’t change what I would do with this student vs. a student who was not on probation. Either way, I would try to get to the bottom of the situation in a careful, compassionate way.
How important do you think it is to give people the benefit of the doubt? Doctors must always be prepared to help others, one part of which is offering empathy and two-way communication. I don’t believe this means looking the other way when there is clear wrongdoing, but in my opinion, it is very important to try to understand the nuance of a situation, which means giving others the benefit of the doubt so long as it doesn’t mean potentially putting people in harm’s way.
What works about these answers?
By gathering more information and not rushing to conclusions, the respondent demonstrates a commitment to fairness and compassion. They also show a respect for standards and rules through both the seriousness with which they treat plagiarism and their unwillingness to make an exception for a student on probation.
The third response offers insight into how this respondent might handle a similar situation as a physician, highlighting the importance of balancing nuance and compassionate thinking with doing no harm.
Casper practice question #6: Absent co-worker
One of your co-workers, Vanessa, has started to frequently call in sick or leave work early, causing more work for you and the rest of your team. When you ask Vanessa why she’s missing so much work, she confesses to you that her husband has moved out, which has left her without adequate childcare. You are sympathetic to her problem but are sick of picking up the slack. What should you do?
What would you say to Vanessa? Would you let her know that she’s negatively affecting the rest of the team?
What would you do if you were Vanessa and a co-worker spoke to you about this situation?
Discuss a situation in which you had to balance personal and professional demands.
There are a number of factors to consider in this scenario. You’ll want to discuss showing empathy for people in difficult situations, what responsibilities team members hold, and the importance of clear communication. In addition, because doctors frequently have to balance personal and professional demands, you’ll also need to think through how you would be equipped to handle these kinds of situations in your future professional life.
Here are our sample responses:
What would you say to Vanessa? Would you let her know that she’s negatively affecting the rest of the team? First and foremost, I would express compassion for Vanessa by saying something like, “I’m so sorry to hear about your difficulties at home. I can only imagine how challenging it must be to balance that with work right now. Let me know how I can help.” Then I would wait until a different time to pull her aside to discuss how the team has been affected by her absences. I would let her know clearly but without anger or judgment, and I would encourage her to speak to our supervisor. While I believe that it’s the supervisor’s responsibility to create an equitable arrangement for getting work done, I also think that it’s Vanessa’s responsibility to help facilitate that process by keeping the supervisor in the loop.
What would you do if you were Vanessa and a co-worker spoke to you about this situation? If I were on Vanessa’s end of the conversation, I would listen to my co-worker’s perspective and try my best not to be defensive even though I’m sure I would feel frustration and that the situation was not my fault. Nevertheless, I’d apologize to my team members for creating extra work for them, and then I would speak to my supervisor and HR person in hopes of finding a better solution. I would also speak to other single parents in the company and ask them how they’ve handled situations like this in the past.
Discuss a situation in which you had to balance personal and professional demands. During my sophomore year of college, my mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. My family lived about two hours away from my school, so I started driving home every weekend to help take care of household tasks like cleaning and laundry. This was a stressful arrangement for me, and as a result I was constantly exhausted and did not do as well as I should have in some of my classes that semester. In retrospect, I could have taken pass/fail classes or perhaps a leave of absence. If I faced a difficult personal situation like this again in the future, I would try to find similar ways to temporarily adjust my professional life.
Why do these answers work?
The first response balances compassion for Vanessa with responsibility for the team. The respondent also demonstrates that they can communicate well and interact in socially appropriate ways.
The second and third responses tackle the other perspective. These answers illustrate that the respondent is able to take accountability for their actions and work to find solutions to difficult problems, indicating the resilience and adaptability that is necessary for physicians.
Casper practice question #7: Sexual harassment
You’re introduced to a new co-worker, Ben, and are surprised to find that he is the same person who sexually harassed a close friend of yours at his previous job. While Ben was fired from his last job and punished in other ways, the situation was not made public. You only happen to know the details because your friend shared them with you. How would you handle this?
How would you interact with Ben?
Would you inform your boss and/or other co-workers about Ben’s past behavior?
Should people who commit serious offenses be given second chances?
In this scenario, you’ll need to demonstrate professional behavior, even in interacting with someone whom you may have a reason to dislike. You’ll also need to think through the ethics and consequences of giving Ben a fresh start vs. warning others about his past behavior. However you address this, you’ll want to show that you can balance fairness and compassion with harm prevention.
These are our sample responses:
How would you interact with Ben? I would be polite to Ben. Even though I would certainly feel negatively towards him due to my prior knowledge, I wouldn’t let that get in the way of behaving professionally. As a doctor, it’s essential to be able to work with and potentially treat any person, no matter who they are or how you may feel about them.
Would you inform your boss and/or other co-workers about Ben’s past behavior? It would depend on the severity of his past behavior, as well as the wishes of my friend. Assuming that I did not have reason to believe that Ben’s presence put anyone in our workplace in imminent danger, to begin with, I most likely would not tell my co-workers about Ben’s past in order to give Ben the benefit of the doubt and the possibility of a clean slate. It’s possible that the harassment came up during his reference check. It’s also possible that, given the punishment he received, he’s learned from his mistake. However, if my friend gave her consent, I would quietly speak with my boss and/or HR to make sure that they are aware of the situation and can monitor his behavior accordingly. Similarly, if I heard that he was making anyone uncomfortable or if I noticed anything off, I wouldn’t hesitate to share the essential details of the story.
Should people who commit serious offenses be given second chances? Yes, I do believe that people deserve second chances. In my opinion, all people are capable of change and improvement. I believe that it is a physician’s ethical duty to approach people in an open-minded manner.
What works about these answers?
There are many ways that you could approach these questions or interpret ethical soundness in this scenario. Nevertheless, these answers work because the respondent shows that they prioritize professionalism and a desire to be fair, explaining how their reasoning is based on the ethical responsibilities of physicians to treat all people with an open mind.
At the same time, the respondent expresses a desire to ensure that Ben does not harass others in the future and works to find solutions to prevent this from happening.
About the Author
Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on medical school admissions. For nearly 20 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get into medical school using his exclusive approach.
----
You can only take Casper once a year. Don’t leave it to chance and compromise your odds of getting into medical school.
Unfortunately, Casper prep resources are sorely lacking.
Other than a few practice questions on the Casper publisher’s site, there’s very little out there to help you prepare effectively.
To address this issue, we developed a comprehensive Casper prep course, including full-length practice exams and sample responses for every question to take your performance to the next level.
Introducing…
----
Appendix A: Medical schools that require the Casper test
Below is a list of medical schools requiring (or “encouraging”) applicants to complete the Casper test. We also provide tables showing each school’s Casper, Snapshot, and Duet requirements.
(Note: This list was last updated in March 2024. Schools previously listed here that will not require Casper for the 2024-2025 application cycle have been removed.)
Allopathic medical schools
Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
(*Note: This was the 2023-2024 requirement for acceptance into the BS/MD program.)
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine at Lubbock
Tulane University School of Medicine
(Note: Tulane “encourages” applicants to take Casper and Duet but does not explicitly require either.)
University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center School of Medicine
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Long School of Medicine
University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston School of Medicine
West Virginia University School of Medicine
(Note: WVU “encourages” applicants to take the Casper test, which is considered optional for the 2025 application cycle.)
Osteopathic medical schools
Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
(Note: ARCOM does not require Casper but states that it is “highly recommended.”)
Kansas Health Science Center – Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
----
Appendix B: Casper test date deadlines
Below, we’ve listed the final Casper test date accepted by each medical school in the 2024–2025 application cycle. Each school’s full range of dates can be found on the Acuity Insights website.
(Note: This list was last updated in March 2024.)
Allopathic medical schools
American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Oct 29, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Baylor College of Medicine
Oct 29, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Boston University School of Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Burnett School of Medicine at TCU
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDTCentral Michigan University College of Medicine
No information is available yet.
Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Drexel University College of Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
East Tennessee State University Quillen College of Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDTIndiana University School of Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
No information is available yet.
Medical College of Wisconsin
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Meharry Medical College
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
October 29th, 2024
Netter School of Medicine Quinnipiac University
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
New York Medical College
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Rush University Medical College
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Apr 10, 2025
Texas A&M University College of Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Paul L. Foster School of Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine at Lubbock
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Tulane University School of Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
University of Colorado School of Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
No information is available yet.
University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
University of Texas at Tyler Health Science Center School of Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, McGovern Medical School
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Long School of Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston John Sealy School of Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Wake Forest School of Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
West Virginia University School of Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Osteopathic medical schools
Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Kansas Health Science Center – Kansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (NY)
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Touro University Nevada College of Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT
William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Jun 27, 2024 - 8:00 PM EDT----
Looking for assistance with your Casper prep? Click the logo below to learn more about our comprehensive Casper prep course, which includes 4 full-length practice exams, totaling 140+ practice questions across 50+ Casper scenarios, plus sample responses for each.
