CASPer and PREview: What They Test and How to Prepare

Guide to situational judgment tests required by an increasing number of schools. Format, scoring, prep strategies, and school requirements.

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CASPer and PREview: What They Test and How to Prepare

If you are applying to medical school, your MCAT score and GPA are only part of the picture. An increasing number of programs now require CASPer PREview prep as part of their admissions process, using situational judgment tests to evaluate the personal and professional qualities that traditional metrics cannot capture. These tests can feel unfamiliar and even intimidating, but with the right approach, you can walk in confident and prepared. This guide breaks down both exams, what they measure, and exactly how to get ready.

Understanding CASPer: Format, Timing, and Structure

CASPer (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) is a situational judgment test developed by Altus Assessments, now part of Acuity Insights. The test presents you with a series of real-world scenarios and asks you to respond in ways that reveal your interpersonal skills, ethical reasoning, and professionalism.

The exam runs between 60 and 90 minutes and includes two distinct section types. In the video response sections, you watch short video scenarios depicting conflicts or ethical dilemmas, then record yourself speaking your answers on camera. In the typed response sections, you read text-based scenarios and type out your answers. Each scenario is followed by three open-ended questions, and you get five minutes total to respond to all three.

There are 14 scenarios in total, split roughly evenly between video and typed responses. You cannot go back to previous sections once you move forward. The test is not about finding a single "correct" answer. It evaluates how you think through complicated situations and communicate your reasoning.

What CASPer actually measures

CASPer targets non-cognitive competencies that medical schools consider essential: professionalism, empathy, ethical reasoning, communication, resilience, and fairness. The scenarios place you in situations where values conflict, forcing you to demonstrate nuance rather than black-and-white thinking.

For example, you might watch a scenario where a colleague takes credit for your work, or read about a friend asking you to bend a rule. Evaluators want to see that you can identify the core issues, consider multiple perspectives, and propose a thoughtful course of action.

Understanding PREview: AAMC's Situational Judgment Test

PREview is the AAMC's Professional Readiness Exam, a situational judgment test designed to assess pre-professional competencies. While CASPer uses open-ended responses, PREview takes a different approach with its structured rating format.

The exam lasts approximately 75 minutes and presents you with hypothetical scenarios followed by a set of possible actions. For each action, you rate its effectiveness on a scale from very ineffective to very effective. There are no video responses and no typed answers. Everything is multiple-choice rating based.

PREview scenarios focus on situations you might encounter as a premedical student, medical student, or early-career professional. You could be asked to evaluate how to handle a group project conflict, respond to a patient who refuses treatment, or navigate a situation involving academic dishonesty.

What PREview actually measures

The AAMC built PREview around its core competencies for entering medical students, split into two categories. Interpersonal competencies include service orientation, social skills, cultural competence, and teamwork. Intrapersonal competencies cover ethical responsibility, reliability, resilience, and capacity for self-improvement.

Because PREview uses a rating format, it tests your ability to distinguish between good and great responses. Two actions might both seem reasonable, but the test rewards you for recognizing which one better aligns with professional values.

CASPer vs. PREview: Side-by-Side Comparison

While both tests assess personal qualities, they differ significantly in format, scoring, and administration. Here is a quick comparison to help you understand what each one involves.

Which Schools Require Which Test

The list of schools requiring these tests changes each cycle, so you should always verify requirements directly with your target programs. That said, here are the general trends worth knowing.

CASPer is required or recommended by over 40 medical schools in the United States, along with many Canadian programs. Schools like New York Medical College, Rutgers, Central Michigan, and multiple osteopathic programs include CASPer in their admissions process. Some require it for all applicants, while others use it only at certain review stages.

PREview adoption is growing but still less widespread than CASPer. Several AAMC-member schools have begun incorporating PREview scores into holistic review. A small number of programs require both tests.

If you are applying broadly, we recommend checking each school's admissions page and making a list early in your cycle. Missing a required test can mean your application is considered incomplete, and that is a mistake you want to avoid.

How Scores Are Used in Admissions

Neither CASPer nor PREview will make or break your application on its own, but both carry real weight in the review process. Understanding how schools use these scores can help you approach the tests with the right mindset.

CASPer scoring

Each of your CASPer responses is evaluated by a different trained rater, so no single person scores your entire test. Raters assess your answers on a numerical scale, and your results are compiled into a quartile score sent to the schools you designate. Most schools use CASPer as one data point among many, often as a screening tool or a factor in interview decisions.

PREview scoring

PREview results are reported on a scale of one to nine, with higher scores indicating stronger alignment with professional competencies. Like CASPer, PREview is typically used as one component of holistic review rather than a standalone criterion.

In both cases, low scores can raise flags, while strong scores reinforce the positive impressions created by your personal statement, experiences, and letters. Think of these tests as an opportunity to add another dimension to your application.

How to Prepare for CASPer and PREview

You cannot study for situational judgment tests the way you study for the MCAT. There are no facts to memorize and no formulas to learn. But that does not mean preparation is pointless. Strategic practice can make a significant difference in your performance.

Build a foundation in ethical reasoning

Familiarize yourself with the four pillars of medical ethics: autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. These principles come up repeatedly in both CASPer and PREview scenarios. Being able to identify which principles are at stake helps you organize a structured response. You do not need to quote ethical theories by name, but your reasoning should reflect awareness of these concepts.

Practice with realistic scenarios

Acuity Insights offers a free practice test on the CASPer website, and the AAMC provides PREview practice materials as well. Take advantage of these official resources first, then supplement with additional scenario-based practice. Have a friend present you with ethical dilemmas and practice talking through your reasoning out loud.

Improve your typing speed

This applies mainly to CASPer. You only get five minutes to answer three questions per scenario, and slow typing can mean incomplete responses. Aim for at least 60 words per minute, though faster is better. Free typing tools are available online, and even a few weeks of regular practice can noticeably improve your speed.

Use structured response frameworks

For CASPer typed and video responses, a simple framework can keep your answers organized. Start by identifying the key issue or conflict in the scenario. Acknowledge the perspectives of all parties involved. Propose a course of action that balances competing interests. Finally, reflect briefly on why your approach is appropriate. This structure helps you cover the important bases without rambling.

Avoid rehearsed or generic answers

Evaluators can spot canned responses quickly. Instead of relying on memorized answers, focus on developing genuine reasoning skills. Practice thinking through novel situations so that your authentic thought process becomes your strongest asset on test day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Knowing what not to do is just as valuable as knowing what to do. Here are the most frequent pitfalls we see among test takers.

Taking extreme positions. Situational judgment tests reward nuance. Saying you would immediately report someone or that you would never get involved are both red flags. Show that you can consider context and weigh options before acting.

Ignoring emotional dimensions. If a scenario involves someone who is upset or frustrated, acknowledge their feelings before jumping to solutions. Empathy is a core competency that both tests evaluate, and skipping straight to problem-solving signals a blind spot.

Running out of time. On CASPer, this usually comes down to typing speed or spending too long on the first question. Budget your time deliberately. For PREview, the pacing is more manageable, but do not overthink individual items to the point where you rush through the final scenarios.

Neglecting the "why" behind your actions. Especially on CASPer, stating what you would do is not enough. Explain your reasoning. Admissions committees want to understand how you think, not just what conclusions you reach.

Skipping preparation entirely. Some applicants assume these tests cannot be prepared for and walk in cold. While you cannot cram for them, deliberate practice with ethical reasoning and timed responses genuinely improves performance. Even five to seven dedicated practice sessions can make a difference.

Building These Tests Into Your Application Timeline

CASPer test dates fill up, and you need to register well in advance. Most applicants take CASPer in the spring or early summer, aligning with primary application submission timelines. PREview can be taken at various points throughout the year, but results take time to process and send to schools.

We recommend adding these tests to your application checklist as early as possible. Identify which of your target schools require CASPer, PREview, or both. Register at least four to six weeks in advance, build in time for practice, and confirm your scores will arrive before review deadlines.

Keep CASPer and PREview on Your Radar

MedSchool Copilot's Application Journey checklist includes CASPer and PREview registration deadlines with school-specific requirements, so you never miss a required test. We track which programs require which assessments and alert you when key dates are approaching, keeping your entire application process organized and on schedule.

Check Your Checklist →

Keep CASPer and PREview on Your Radar

MedSchool Copilot's Application Journey checklist includes CASPer and PREview registration deadlines with school-specific requirements, so you never miss a required test.

Check Your Checklist →