The CASPer assessment is a situational judgment test that offers insights into an
applicant's non-academic attributes and people skills. Several TMDSAS member institutions have required CASPer for several years now, but starting in EY2022, CASPer is now
part of the 3-part Altus Suite.
Starting in EY2022, some participating schools may require the CASPer, Duet, and/or
Snapshot as part of the Altus Suite. These are available for the same cost as the
base CASPer exam.
Here's what this means for you:
Altus Suite is a standardized, three-part online assessment of non-cognitive skills, interpersonal characteristics, and personal values and priorities that we believe are important for successful students and graduates of our program. Altus Suite will complement the other tools that we use for applicant review and evaluation. In implementing Altus Suite, we are trying to further enhance fairness and objectivity in our selection process.
In order to take Altus Suite, you will be responsible for securing access to a laptop or desktop
computer with webcam and audio capabilities. You will require the following for both account
creation and completing Altus Suite:
If you require testing accommodations for Altus Suite you will need to submit the Accommodations Request Form signed by you and your qualified professional 3 weeks in advance of your desired test date. More information regarding accommodations can be found here.
Casper results are only valid for a single admissions cycle, and only for the test type (American Health Sciences, Canadian Health Sciences, etc.) for which you have taken the test. You will need to take a separate Casper test for future admissions cycles or different program types, including for programs offered in different countries or languages. Applicants are not permitted to take a Casper test type more than once per admissions cycle.
You will be prompted to make a payment when reserving your Casper test.
Please note that the fee applies to ALL assessment components within Altus Suite (Casper,
Snapshot, and Duet). There are no additional charges to take Snapshot or Duet. All
fees are final, non-refundable, and valid only for the then-current admissions cycle.
Medical Schools Requiring CASPer
All BCM applicants to the Medical School and Medical Scientist Training Program are
required to complete an online situational judgment test called CASPer (Computer-Based
Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics). A CASPer score is required in order to be considered for an interview. We do not require Duet or Snapshot.
Veterinary Schools Requiring CASPer
Altus Suite consists of:
About Casper
The Casper test comprises 12 sections of video and written scenarios. Following each scenario, you will be required to answer a set of probing questions under a time contract. The test typically takes between 75-90 minutes to complete. Each response is graded by a different rater, giving a very robust and reliable view of personal and professional characteristics important to our program. No studying is required for Casper, although you may want to familiarize yourself with the test structure at TakeAltus.com, and ensure you have a quiet environment to take the test. We strongly urge you to take advantage of the 12-section practice test, which will not only immerse you in the test environment, but will also ensure you meet the technical requirements to access and complete the test.
Casper test results are valid for one admissions cycle. Applicants who have already taken the test in previous years will therefore be expected to re-take it.
For a more detailed look at the Casper test, please see this video.
About Snapshot
Snapshot is a one-way video interview tool that takes 10-15 minutes to complete. It is used to help programs get to know their applicants better by assessing verbal and non-verbal communication skills, as well as motivation for the profession. Snapshot includes 2 mandatory practice questions to allow applicants to get familiar with the format and to test their audio and video capabilities. After they complete the practice portion, they will move on to record responses to 3 standardized interview-style questions. Applicants have 2 minutes to record each response. They will have time to read and consider each question during a 30-second reflection period before they begin recording. All recorded responses will be submitted to the program for review.
About Duet
Duet is a 15-minute value-alignment assessment that takes input from both our program and our applicants to determine their relative alignment based on program values and priorities. Duet was piloted with GME programs in 2020, and programs found it valuable in providing additional data to highlight applicants whose values and priorities align well with their own.
What is a pilot? Pilots are common in education (i.e., K-12, post-secondary institutions) to introduce a new assessment, course, program, or curriculum. Data collected through the Duet for UME pilot through applicants’ will contribute to research to ensure the feasibility, acceptability and validity of the Duet assessment in future admissions cycles.
For more information on Duet, access www.TakeAltus.com.
About the author: The Texas Health Education Service amplifies TMDSAS and JAMP’s missions to serve students, collegiate advisors, and professional schools in Texas by providing students with accurate educational resources to enhance their preparation for a career in the health professions, and supporting efforts by advisors and professional schools to reach students and enrich the applicant pool.
TMDSAS Member Institutions that Require CASPer
Reapplying in EY 2025? Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine will host a reapplicant seminar. Learn important factors that can make or break an application.
Review the guidance provided to best rank your schools (especially if you have a Pre-Match Offer).
As a non-Texas resident medical applicant, you do not need to worry about Pre-Match offers, school ranking, or the Match. Follow along to understand when and how you will receive medical acceptance offers.
