CASPer vs. AAMC PREview: Which Medical Schools Require Them
You might be thinking, “Ugh, another test to stress about!” And you’re probably also wondering, “What on earth is the AAMC PREview exam?” “What’s the deal with this CASPer test?” And, most importantly, “Do I really have to take both?”
Whether you’re already familiar with these exams and want more details, or this is your first time hearing about them, you’re in the right place! In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know about the AAMC PREview exam and the CASPer test, and help you figure out whether you need to take one—or, unfortunately, both—based on the medical schools you’re applying to.
*Note: Admissions requirements are always changing, so make sure to check each school’s website for the most up-to-date information
What is the CASPer Test? Everything You Need to Know for Medical School Applicants
The CASPer test (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) is a situational judgment test designed to evaluate applicants’ personal and professional attributes. Originally developed by McMaster University in Canada to replace traditional essay-based assessments, the CASPer test is now used by many U.S. MD schools as well. These schools use the test to gain a more holistic view of their applicants.
In some cases, American MD programs even collect optional CASPer scores for research purposes, aiming to determine whether these scores accurately reflect applicants’ personal and professional qualities.
Want to dive deeper into the CASPer test? Check out this article on what is the CASPer test and which Canadian medical schools use it to learn:
- What personal attributes are assessed in the CASPer test
- The format of the CASPer test
- The cost of the CASPer test
- How the CASPer test is scored
- Common misconceptions about the CASPer test
If you’re preparing to apply to medical school, understanding how the CASPer test works is essential!
How to Sign Up for the CASPer Test
If you’re applying to medical school, you know that the CASPer test is a crucial part of your application. But how do you actually sign up for the CASPer test? Unlike the MCAT, you’re only allowed to take the CASPer once per admissions cycle, and your results are only valid for that specific cycle. This means you’ll need to retake the CASPer test for each admissions cycle you apply to.
CASPer testing dates for American MD programs typically run from March to December. However, dates can vary significantly from school to school, so it’s important to choose a test date that works for all the schools you’re applying to.
Luckily, Acuity Insights makes this pretty easy! Simply use the Acuity Insights booking tool to select a date that is suitable for you. The test code for U.S. medical schools is CSP-10111.
Be sure to double-check your desired testing date and make sure it aligns with the deadlines for the medical schools you’re applying to!
When to Book Your CASPer Test: Tips for Medical School Applicants
Now that you know how to sign up for the CASPer test, you might be wondering, “When should I actually book my test?”
While Acuity Insights recommends signing up at least 3 days before your test, I recommend registering at least a month in advance. Booking early gives you ample time to prepare (especially if you have other commitments like school or a job) and ensures you get your preferred test date and time. Plus, planning ahead offers flexibility – if you’re more than 31 days away from your test date, rescheduling is completely free!
Keep in mind that some medical schools will only consider your application complete once they’ve received your CASPer score. Since many schools follow a rolling admissions process, early submission can give you a competitive edge.
*Note: Don’t forget to add your AAMC ID to the “IDs” section of your Acuity account so that your score can be matched with your application. To do this, click your name in the top right, go to “Account,” then “IDs.”
What is The AAMC PREview Exam?
The AAMC PREview is an exam developed by the American Association of Medical Colleges to assess applicants’ professional competencies, including:
- Interpersonal skills
- Cultural awareness
- Cultural humility
- Empathy & compassion
- Teamwork & collaboration
- Ethical responsibility to self and others
- Reliability & dependability
- Resilience & adaptability
- Commitment to learning and growth
What is the Format of the AMC PREview Exam?
Unlike the CASPer exam, the AAMC PREview is a multiple-choice exam. It lasts 75 minutes and is administered online on your personal computer. The questions present a text-based scenario followed by several possible responses. Your task is to rate the effectiveness of each response, ranging from very ineffective to very effective.
How is the AAMC PREview Exam Scored? Understanding Your Results
You might be wondering, “How exactly is the AAMC PREview exam scored?” Here’s a breakdown of the key components of your score report:
- Total score: Ranges from 1 to 9, with 1 being the lowest and 9 the highest.
- Percentile rank: Shows how you performed compared to other examinees.
- Confidence band: Indicates the degree of certainty in your score.
Your total score is based on how well your responses align with those of subject matter experts. You’ll earn full credit for answers that closely match an expert’s response. However, if your answer deviates from the expert’s response, you’ll receive less credit for that question.
Your percentile rank reflects your performance relative to all examinees over the past two years. This percentile is updated every May using data from the previous two years of testing.
The AAMC also gives you the option to either score or void your PREview exam (similar to the MCAT). For more information, check out the official AAMC website.
How to Sign Up for the AAMC PREview Exam: Key Details You Need to Know
Now that you have an idea of what PREview tests and how to interpret your score – how do you sign up for the AAMC PREview exam? Unlike CASPer, you can take the PREview exam twice per administration year, and you may not have to retake the exam if you choose to reapply to medical school the following year. The AAMC retains your score, and it’s up to individual medical schools to decide how long your score is valid for or how they weigh multiple attempts (again, be sure to check the admissions websites for the schools you are considering applying to).
Note that also unlike the CASPer exam, there is a lifetime limit for taking the PREview exam. The lifetime limit is no more than 4 times in your lifetime (beginning with the 2024 administration).
For more detailed information on signing up for the PREview exam, check out its official page on the AAMC website.
Do You Need to Study for the AAMC PREview Exam?
I’ve (unfortunately) told you that you might have to take another standardized test – but should you study for the AAMC PREview exam? The AAMC encourages you to prepare for the PREview exam – and they provide great free resources to do so – such as sample questions, a preparation guide, and practice exams. Make sure to check them out!
Which American MD Schools Use CASPer or AAMC PREview?
Now that you’re familiar with both the AAMC PREview and CAPer exams, the only question left is if you actually need to take them! Find the schools you’re hoping to apply to below to figure out which situational judgment test they require.
**Note: If a school is not included below, it means they do not currently require a situational judgment test. However, admissions committees are constantly changing admissions processes, so make sure to double-check the websites of the schools you’re applying to.
