Which Medical Schools Require the CASPer Test in 2026?
CASPer requirements change by school, program, language, and application cycle. Use this guide to build a shortlist, then verify every destination on its official admissions page and in Acuity before booking. A school missing from a CASPer list may not require the test, and two schools that use CASPer may require different test types.
Four checks before you register
Verify the exact degree and pathway
Match the intended entry year
Copy the official type and code
Check sitting and distribution dates
Canadian Medical Schools (MD Programs)
Canadian MD requirements are school-specific
CASPer is used by several Canadian medical schools, but it is not mandatory at every Canadian MD program. The verified examples below are intentionally not an exhaustive national list. Current Western Medicine requirements do not list CASPer, Alberta removed its MD CASPer requirement effective July 1, 2025, and uOttawa now lists an early-phase MMI instead of CASPer for standard 2027 applicants.
Verified current examples
- McMaster University
- Queen's University, with a published pathway exception
- Dalhousie Medicine, with a published 25% pre-interview weight
- Memorial University Medicine, with a September 24 score-release deadline
- USask Medicine, with a September 10 last accepted test date
- McGill MDCM and Med-P, in English or French
Do not assume CASPer is required
- Western Medicine: not listed in current requirements
- University of Alberta MD: requirement removed effective July 1, 2025
- uOttawa Medicine: early-phase MMI listed instead for 2027
- Any school carried forward from a prior-cycle list
🍁 Canadian School Highlights
McMaster University
CASPer is required for current Undergraduate MD applicants, but McMaster publishes no fixed quartile cutoff or current percentage weight. See the McMaster CASPer prep guide for the 2027-entry test code and study plan.
Queen's University
The current OMSAS guide specifies CSP-10211 – Canada CASPer 2 for most fall 2027 applicants and does not disclose the annual cutoff. Verify the pathway exception, test code, and timeline in the Queen's Medicine CASPer guide.
McGill University
McGill requires CASPer for MDCM and Med-P and publishes a 20% pre-interview weight. See the McGill Medicine CASPer guidefor fall 2027 English and French codes and dates.
Dalhousie University
Dalhousie requires CASPer and publishes a 25% pre-interview weight. All three 2026-27 test dates had passed by September 2. Check the Dalhousie Medicine CASPer guide for the full timeline and registration rules.
Memorial University
Memorial requires Casper 2 for every 2027-entry MD applicant. Its three test dates have passed, but score release remains due September 24. See the Memorial Medicine CASPer guide for the AAMC ID matching rule and deadline checklist.
University of Saskatchewan
USask requires Casper 2 for all 2027-entry applicants. The final accepted sitting is September 10, and distribution is due October 1. Use the USask Medicine CASPer guide for the immediate action plan.
University of Ottawa
Current standard 2027 requirements list an Acuity early-phase MMI, not CASPer. Read the uOttawa Medicine updatebecause older guides still contain the previous rule.
Western University
Western Medicine does not list CASPer in its current requirements, although other Western programs do. Use the Western program matrixinstead of applying another faculty's requirement to Medicine.
Preparation tip: Canadian schools expect high CASPer performance. Use CasperCoach's Canadian-focused scenarios to understand cultural and healthcare system nuances.
US MD Programs Requiring CASPer
A US school can also require, recommend, or accept AAMC PREview. That status is separate from CASPer unless the program explicitly publishes an either/or SJT policy. Use the CASPer vs AAMC PREview comparisonwhile auditing a US school list.
Growing Adoption in US Medical Schools
While not as widespread as in Canada, an increasing number of US MD programs are incorporating CASPer into their admissions process, particularly those emphasizing holistic review and professional competencies.
Confirmed US MD Programs (2026)
- New York Medical College - Required for all applicants
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine - Required
- Duquesne University College of Osteopathic Medicine - Required
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University - Required
- Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine - Required
- California University of Science and Medicine - Required
- University of Washington (WWAMI) - Some tracks
- Texas A&M Health Science Center - Pilot program
Schools Considering CASPer (2026-2027)
- Several California medical schools
- Additional Texas medical schools
- Northeast corridor programs
- Schools with mission-driven admissions
Note: Requirements change annually. Check CasperCoach's updated school database for the most current information.
DO Programs Requiring CASPer
Osteopathic Medical Schools
Many DO programs have adopted CASPer, particularly those emphasizing holistic patient care and professional development. The osteopathic philosophy aligns well with CASPer's competency-based assessment.
DO Programs Requiring CASPer
- A.T. Still University (KCOM)
- A.T. Still University (SOMA)
- Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Campbell University (CUCOM)
- Des Moines University (DMU-COM)
- Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Kansas City University
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Lincoln Memorial University (DeBusk)
- Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Midwestern University (Arizona)
- Midwestern University (Illinois)
- Nova Southeastern University
- Oklahoma State University
- Pacific Northwest University
- Rocky Vista University
⚠️ Important Notes for DO Applicants
Requirement Variations
Some DO programs require CASPer for all applicants, while others use it only for certain applicant pools or as an optional component.
Rolling Admissions Impact
Many DO programs have rolling admissions. Taking CASPer early in the cycle can provide an advantage in the holistic review process.
Mission Alignment
DO programs often emphasize service, empathy, and holistic care - competencies that CASPer directly assesses. Strong performance can significantly strengthen your application.
Other Health Professional Programs
Beyond Medical School
CASPer's use has expanded beyond medical schools to other health professional programs that value professional competencies and ethical reasoning in their applicants.
Nursing Programs
- McMaster University (Nursing)
- University of Toronto (Nursing)
- Several accelerated BSN programs
- Graduate nursing programs
Other Health Programs
- Physician Assistant programs
- Veterinary schools
- Pharmacy programs
- Physical therapy programs
- Occupational therapy programs
- Optometry programs, including Waterloo
How Schools Use CASPer Scores
Integration Methods
Screening Tool (Most Common)
Schools use CASPer as an initial filter, typically requiring minimum 2nd or 3rd quartile performance to advance to secondary applications or interviews.
- Reduces application volume for holistic review
- Ensures baseline professional competencies
- Complements academic metrics (GPA/MCAT)
Holistic Review Component
CASPer scores are considered alongside all other application components in a comprehensive evaluation process.
- Weighted with GPA, test scores, experiences
- Provides insight into professional readiness
- Can compensate for weaker academic metrics
Interview Preparation
Some schools use CASPer performance to inform interview questions or identify areas for deeper exploration during interviews.
- Tailored interview experiences
- Focus on competency development
- Consistency assessment across evaluation methods
📈 Trends in CASPer Adoption
Growing Acceptance
More schools adopt CASPer each year as research demonstrates its predictive validity for clinical performance and professionalism.
- 5-10 new programs annually
- Expansion beyond North America
- Integration with other assessment tools
Future Predictions
Experts predict continued growth in CASPer adoption, particularly as medical education emphasizes competency-based assessment.
- More US MD programs likely to adopt
- Potential integration with MCAT or other assessments
- Expansion to residency applications
Stay updated: Requirements change frequently. Use CasperCoach's real-time school database for the most current information.
Application Strategy by School Type
Tailored Preparation Approaches
For Canadian Applicants
- Verify whether each target program requires CASPer
- Do not convert applicant anecdotes into a school cutoff
- Understand Canadian healthcare system context
- Practice with culturally relevant scenarios
- Consider French CASPer for bilingual programs
For US MD Applicants
- Research specific school requirements carefully
- Strong CASPer can differentiate your application
- Focus on US healthcare system scenarios
- Understand each school's mission and values
- Consider taking CASPer even for non-requiring schools
For DO Applicants
- Emphasize osteopathic principles in responses
- Highlight holistic, patient-centered thinking
- Demonstrate service orientation and empathy
- Understand DO philosophy and mission
- Take CASPer early due to rolling admissions
📅 Important Deadlines and Timing
General Timeline
- Early Planning: Research school requirements by January
- Registration: Register for CASPer 3-4 weeks before test date
- Test Dates: Multiple dates available May through January
- Score Distribution: Automatic to designated schools
- Application Integration: Scores available 2-3 weeks post-test
School-Specific Deadlines
Each school sets its own CASPer deadline, typically 2-4 weeks before their application deadline. Some key considerations:
- Canadian schools: Usually September-October deadlines
- US schools: Varies widely, often November-January
- DO programs: May have earlier deadlines due to rolling admissions
🎯 Ready to Apply to CASPer Schools?
If a school on your verified list requires CASPer, prepare for the current typed and video format and leave enough time for score distribution. Do not take the test for a program that does not ask for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need to take CASPer if I'm only applying to non-requiring schools?
A: While not required, taking CASPer can strengthen your application and provide flexibility if you decide to apply to additional schools later.
Q: Can I send my CASPer scores to schools after taking the test?
A: Yes, you can distribute scores to additional schools for a fee, but you must designate schools before taking the test for free distribution.
Q: How often do school requirements change?
A: Requirements can change annually. Always check school websites and admissions requirements for the most current information before applying.
Q: Is there a difference between CASPer for different program types?
A: The test format is the same, but you select your program type when registering, which may influence scenario selection and score distribution.
🎯 Scoring Guide
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