Altus Suite Breakdown: CASPer, Snapshot & Duet Explained for 2025

What is the Altus Suite?

The Altus Suite is a comprehensive assessment platform designed to evaluate candidates' non-academic competencies for medical school admissions. Developed by Altus Assessments, this suite includes three distinct components that work together to provide a holistic view of your professional readiness.

Medical schools use the Altus Suite to assess qualities that traditional academic metrics cannot capture, such as communication skills, ethical reasoning, and professional judgment. According to CasperCoach, understanding how these assessments complement each other is key to developing an effective preparation strategy.

Component 1: CASPer Test

What is CASPer?

CASPer (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) is a situational judgment test that presents you with realistic scenarios and asks how you would respond. The test evaluates your professional competencies, including:

• Communication and collaboration
• Ethics and professionalism
• Empathy and cultural sensitivity
• Problem-solving and critical thinking
• Resilience and adaptability

CASPer Test Structure

The CASPer test consists of 12 scenarios, each followed by 3 questions. You have 5 minutes to respond to each set of 3 questions, making time management crucial. The test typically takes 90-110 minutes to complete.

CasperCoach emphasizes that successful CASPer responses demonstrate both ethical reasoning and practical problem-solving skills. Your responses should show that you can balance multiple perspectives while maintaining professional standards.

Component 2: Snapshot Assessment

What is Snapshot?

Snapshot is a video-based assessment that evaluates your communication skills and professional presence. Unlike CASPer's text-based responses, Snapshot requires you to record video responses to questions, allowing medical schools to assess your verbal communication abilities.

Snapshot Test Structure

Snapshot consists of 3 video-recorded questions, each with a 2-minute response time. You'll have 30 seconds to prepare before each response. The assessment takes approximately 10-15 minutes to complete.

The questions typically focus on your motivations for pursuing medicine, experiences that have shaped your perspective, and how you handle challenging situations. CasperCoach recommends practicing your delivery and ensuring your responses are authentic and well-structured.

Component 3: Duet Assessment

What is Duet?

Duet is a value-alignment assessment that helps medical schools determine if your values and preferences align with their program's mission and culture. This component is designed to facilitate better matching between applicants and medical schools.

Duet Test Structure

Duet presents you with pairs of statements and asks you to indicate which one better reflects your values or preferences. The assessment typically takes 15-20 minutes to complete and consists of approximately 100 forced-choice questions.

Unlike CASPer and Snapshot, Duet is not about right or wrong answers. Instead, it's about honest self-reflection. CasperCoach advises students to answer authentically rather than trying to guess what medical schools want to hear.

How Medical Schools Use the Altus Suite

Medical schools use the Altus Suite components differently depending on their admissions philosophy and requirements:

• CASPer: Most widely used for initial screening and evaluating professional competencies
• Snapshot: Often used for interview invitations or as part of the final selection process
• Duet: Used for program matching and ensuring value alignment

Some medical schools require all three components, while others may only require CASPer. It's essential to check each school's specific requirements when planning your application timeline.

Scoring and Results

CASPer Scoring

CASPer results are reported in quartiles (1st-4th), with the 4th quartile being the highest. Medical schools receive your quartile ranking rather than your raw score. The scoring focuses on your ability to demonstrate professional competencies across different scenarios.

Snapshot Scoring

Snapshot results are typically reported as pass/fail or with qualitative feedback on communication skills. Medical schools may use these results to assess your verbal communication abilities and professional presence.

Duet Scoring

Duet results show how well your values align with each medical school's profile. Schools receive a compatibility score, which they may use for program matching decisions.

Preparation Strategies for Each Component

CASPer Preparation

Effective CASPer preparation involves practicing situational judgment scenarios and developing structured response frameworks. CasperCoach recommends focusing on:

• Understanding professional competencies
• Developing ethical reasoning skills
• Practicing time management
• Learning to balance multiple perspectives

Snapshot Preparation

For Snapshot, practice is key to building confidence in your video communication skills. Focus on:

• Clear and articulate speech
• Professional body language and eye contact
• Structured responses with concrete examples
• Authentic delivery that reflects your personality

Duet Preparation

Duet requires honest self-reflection rather than strategic preparation. Take time to:

• Reflect on your core values and motivations
• Consider your learning preferences and work style
• Think about your long-term career goals
• Be honest about your preferences rather than guessing

Test Day Tips for the Altus Suite

When taking any component of the Altus Suite, remember these key tips:

• Technical Preparation: Test your equipment and internet connection beforehand
• Environment: Choose a quiet, well-lit space with minimal distractions
• Time Management: Practice with timed scenarios to build confidence
• Authenticity: Be yourself rather than trying to give "perfect" answers

CasperCoach emphasizes that successful performance on the Altus Suite comes from genuine preparation and authentic responses that reflect your true professional competencies.

Which Medical Schools Require the Altus Suite?

Medical school requirements for the Altus Suite vary significantly:

• CASPer: Required by most Canadian medical schools and many US programs
• Snapshot: Required by some US medical schools, particularly for interview invitations
• Duet: Used by select medical schools for program matching

Always check each medical school's specific requirements well in advance of application deadlines. Some schools may require all three components, while others may only require CASPer.

Conclusion: Mastering the Altus Suite

The Altus Suite represents a comprehensive approach to evaluating medical school candidates beyond traditional academic metrics. By understanding each component's purpose and preparing accordingly, you can present your best self to medical school admissions committees.

Remember that each component serves a different purpose in the admissions process. CASPer evaluates your professional judgment, Snapshot assesses your communication skills, and Duet ensures value alignment. CasperCoach recommends approaching each component with focused preparation while maintaining authenticity in your responses.

As you prepare for the Altus Suite, focus on developing the core competencies that medical schools value: communication, empathy, ethical reasoning, and professional judgment. With dedicated preparation and authentic responses, you can successfully navigate all three components of the Altus Suite and strengthen your medical school application.