The Casper test has become a key component of the medical school admissions process, offering schools valuable insight into your non-cognitive skills like empathy, communication, and ethical decision-making. For many applicants, one common question arises during their Casper test preparation and application process—“Can you add schools to Casper later?”
This guide will provide you with a detailed and straightforward answer to this question, including how the process works, associated costs, and how to manage the Casper test as part of your medical school application strategy.
By the end, you’ll have all the tools you need to maximize the effectiveness of your Casper test results while staying on top of important deadlines.
What Is Casper?
Casper, short for “Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics,” is a situational judgment test (SJT) used by many medical schools to evaluate applicants’ personal and professional skills.
Unlike traditional assessments that measure academic knowledge, Casper assesses your non-cognitive skills such as problem-solving, interpersonal effectiveness, ethics, and critical thinking.
This assessment is part of a suite of tools provided by Acuity Insights, and its purpose is to give admissions committees a more comprehensive view of an applicant beyond their GPA and MCAT scores.
The Casper test consists of various real-life scenarios where you’ll be asked to type short, thoughtful responses to questions or describe how you would handle the situations presented.
Being prepared for Casper is critical because it’s often required by medical schools, and not submitting the scores on time can jeopardize your application.
Why Is Casper Important?
- It demonstrates your readiness to handle ethical dilemmas in healthcare settings.
- Many medical schools require it as part of their admissions process.
- A compelling Casper score can help differentiate you from other applicants.
Can You Add Schools to Casper Later?
The answer is yes—you can add schools to Casper later, even after you have taken the test.
However, there are specific deadlines to follow. Adding schools must occur before their school-specific distribution deadline, which is typically a few weeks after the test date. If you miss this deadline, your Casper results will not be sent to that school, potentially disqualifying you from their admissions process.
Here are the key things to keep in mind:
- You can add schools to your distribution list at any point after completing the test, provided it’s before the individual school’s Casper deadline.
- Schools have their own timelines for receiving scores, so review their deadlines carefully.
- Adding schools may require an additional fee (as outlined below).
This flexibility ensures you can adjust your school preferences as needed or add new schools if your list changes.
How to Add Schools to Casper (Step-by-Step Guide)
Adding schools to your Casper distribution list is simple. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:
- Log into Your Acuity Insights Account:
Visit the Acuity Insights website and enter your login credentials.
- Navigate to the “Distribution” Section:
Once logged in, locate the section where you manage your school distribution list, often labeled as “Distribution” or “Schools.”
- Select the Schools You Want to Add:
Browse the list of participating programs and select the schools to which you’d like your Casper results sent.
- Confirm Your Choices:
Review your selected schools and confirm your choices.
- Pay the Additional Fee (if applicable):
If adding schools exceeds the number included in your initial Casper fee, you’ll be prompted to pay a fee (approximately $16 per additional school).
- Verify School Deadlines:
Double-check that all added schools meet their Casper result deadlines to avoid disqualification from their admissions process.
- Contact Customer Support (if needed):
If you encounter technical difficulties, don’t hesitate to reach out to Acuity Insights Customer Support for assistance.
How Much Does It Cost to Add Schools to Casper?
When you sign up for the Casper test, your base registration fee typically includes the distribution of your results to around seven schools or programs (this number may vary).
For each additional school you want to send results to, you’ll pay an extra fee—approximately $16 per school.
To avoid unnecessary costs, it’s wise to finalize as much of your school list as possible before taking the test. However, as noted, you have the flexibility to add schools later if needed.
Budgeting Tip: When planning your application expenses, include these fees to avoid any surprises. Tools like a budgeting spreadsheet can help you manage costs.
Best Practices for Selecting Schools Before Taking Casper
While you can add schools later for more flexibility, it’s best to finalize your school list early to save money and stress. Here are some tips to help you select the right schools beforehand:
- Use Resources Like MSAR: The Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) tool provides a detailed overview of each school’s requirements, including whether Casper is needed.
- Research School Deadlines: Missing a distribution deadline could eliminate your application from consideration, so be vigilant about dates.
- Align Schools with Your Goals: Choose programs where you feel your Casper performance and other strengths align well with the mission and values of the school.
- Consult Advisors: Don’t hesitate to ask pre-med advisors for guidance on narrowing down your target school list.
Can You Send Casper Results Later?
Yes, you can distribute Casper results after your test, provided the schools were added to your distribution list before their deadlines.
Here’s how it works:
- Casper results are typically scored and processed within 2-3 weeks after your test date.
- Once scored, your results are automatically sent to the schools on your distribution list.
- If you add schools later, ensure it’s done before their Casper-specific cutoff date to guarantee timely delivery of your results.
How Far in Advance Do You Need to Register for Casper?
Registration for Casper tests usually opens in April, and it’s recommended to register as early as possible. To secure your desired test date, aim to register at least two to three weeks in advance, though earlier registration is preferable.
Registration Requirements:
- A valid government-issued ID.
- Your AAMC ID (if applicable).
- A list of schools requiring Casper.
Staying organized and informed will help you avoid last-minute stress.
Why Casper Deadlines Matter
Missing Casper deadlines can have serious consequences, including being disqualified from a program. Admissions committees rely on Casper to evaluate key aspects of your application, so timely submission is crucial.
To avoid missing deadlines:
- Track all relevant dates in a spreadsheet or calendar.
- Regularly check your Acuity Insights account for updates.
Tips for Managing Casper as Part of Your Application Process
- Plan Early: Schedule your Casper test well in advance to align with secondary application deadlines.
- Create a System: Maintain a list of each school’s Casper requirements, deadlines, and fees.
- Prepare for the Test: Practice using mock scenarios and review ethical decision-making frameworks to perform your best.
Wrapping It Up
Adding schools to Casper later is entirely possible, offering flexibility during the application process. However, staying organized and proactive is essential to avoid additional fees and missed deadlines.
To streamline your progress, finalize your school list early and stay informed about program-specific requirements. For more resources and expert advice, consider subscribing to our blog or downloading a Casper preparation guide to maximize your success.
Good luck with your medical school applications—you’ve got this!
