Pre-Health
CASPer
What is the CASPer?
The CASPer is a test used by some medical schools to help assess an applicant's interpersonal competencies and situational judgment skills.
The test takes 1.5 hours to complete and consists of 12 ethical scenarios (some are written out, some are brief videos). After reading or viewing, you will be given a limited amount of time to write out your thoughts on how you would respond to the situation. Applicants are often cut-off in the middle of their writing, and that is okay!
How much does it cost to take the CASPer?
It costs $12, plus an additional $12 for each school that requires a score report.
How do I prepare for the CASPer?
The CASPer is not always something students will "study" for as they would for the MCAT or another standardized test. We recommend viewing the CASPer webinar or visiting the Test Prep page on the CASPer website that gives tips, a systems check of your computer, and a sample test!
The scenarios on the CASPer are designed so there is no single "right" answer. The test reviewers are instructed to ignore grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, or punctuation mishaps. So they are focused on what you have to say, not how you say it. We recommend writing not just about "what you would do" in the scenario, but "why you would do it" - which will allow you to show more maturity, perspectives, and considerations to showcase your interpersonal skills.
When should I take the CASPer?
If a school requires the CASPer test, you will be directed to take it as you complete their secondary application. These schools often need your CASPer score report to consider your application complete - the score report is sent three weeks after taking the test. Most of our students take their CASPer while completing secondaries in June. You can look for dates to take the CASPer through their website.
AAMC PREview Exam (formerly known as the AAMC Situational Judgment Test)
What is the AAMC PREview Exam?
The AAMC PREview Exam is designed to allow med school applicants to provide insight into their knowledge of effective and ineffective behaviors across core competencies like service orientation, social skills, cultural competence, resiliency, reliability, and more.
The PREview Exam presents a series of hypothetical scenarios students may encounter in medical school and asks examinees to evaluate the effectiveness of a series of behavioral responses to each scenario.
Who requires the AAMC PREview Exam?
This website from the AAMC lists the medical schools that are asking applicants to complete the AAMC PREview for the '22-'23 application cycle: https://students-residents.aamc.org/aamc-preview/participating-medical-s...
What does it cost to take the AAMC PREview Exam?
There is a flat registration fee of $100.00 for the AAMC PREview exam. Registration is free to examinees approved for the Fee Assistance Program.
How do I prepare for the AAMC PREview Exam?
The AAMC PREview website provides free prep resources. You can also find more information about the AAMC PREview on their website.