What Is a Good CASPer Score in 2025? Quartile Breakdown & Tips

Understanding CASPer Scoring in 2025

The CASPer test uses a unique scoring system that can be confusing for many applicants. Unlike traditional tests with numerical scores, CASPer results are reported in quartiles, which represent your performance relative to other test-takers in the same testing cycle.

According to CasperCoach, understanding how this scoring system works is essential for setting realistic expectations and developing effective preparation strategies. The quartile system provides medical schools with a standardized way to compare candidates across different testing dates.

CASPer Quartile Breakdown Explained

What Are Quartiles?

CASPer quartiles divide all test-takers into four equal groups based on their performance. Each quartile represents 25% of test-takers, with the 4th quartile being the highest performing group and the 1st quartile being the lowest.

What Medical Schools Consider "Good"

Medical schools have different standards for what they consider a competitive CASPer score. Generally:

• 4th Quartile: Highly competitive for most medical schools
• 3rd Quartile: Competitive for many programs, may need strong other components
• 2nd Quartile: May be acceptable for some schools, but limits options
• 1st Quartile: Significantly limits medical school options

CasperCoach emphasizes that while 4th quartile is ideal, 3rd quartile scores can still be competitive when combined with strong academic credentials and extracurricular activities.

How Medical Schools Use CASPer Scores

Medical schools integrate CASPer scores into their holistic review process, but the weight given to CASPer varies significantly between institutions:

Screening Tool

Some medical schools use CASPer as an initial screening tool, requiring minimum quartile scores to advance in the application process. This is particularly common in Canadian medical schools.

Holistic Review Component

Many US medical schools incorporate CASPer scores into their holistic review process, considering them alongside GPA, MCAT scores, extracurricular activities, and personal statements.

Interview Selection

Some schools use CASPer scores to help determine which candidates receive interview invitations, particularly when they have limited interview slots available.

Target Scores by Medical School Type

Top-Tier Medical Schools

For highly competitive medical schools (top 20-30 programs), a 4th quartile CASPer score is typically expected. These schools receive applications from many candidates with strong academic credentials, making the CASPer score a key differentiator.

Mid-Tier Medical Schools

For mid-tier medical schools, 3rd quartile scores are often competitive, especially when combined with strong academic performance. Some programs may accept 2nd quartile scores from candidates with exceptional other credentials.

Canadian Medical Schools

Canadian medical schools typically place greater emphasis on CASPer scores, with most requiring at least 3rd quartile performance. CasperCoach notes that Canadian schools often use CASPer as a primary screening tool.

Strategies to Achieve a Good CASPer Score

Understanding the Assessment Criteria

CASPer evaluates specific professional competencies that medical schools value:

• Communication: Clear, articulate responses that demonstrate empathy
• Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with diverse teams
• Ethics: Strong moral reasoning and professional judgment
• Problem-Solving: Creative and practical approaches to challenges
• Cultural Competency: Understanding and respecting diverse perspectives

Developing Response Frameworks

Successful CASPer responses follow structured frameworks that demonstrate professional competencies. CasperCoach recommends developing templates for different types of scenarios:

• Ethical Dilemmas: Identify stakeholders, consider multiple perspectives, propose balanced solutions
• Team Conflicts: Acknowledge concerns, promote communication, seek collaborative resolution
• Cultural Issues: Demonstrate cultural sensitivity, avoid assumptions, seek understanding
• Resource Allocation: Consider equity, transparency, and systematic approaches

Time Management Skills

CASPer's strict timing (5 minutes for 3 questions) requires excellent time management. Practice dividing your time effectively:

• 30 seconds to read and understand the scenario
• 1-2 minutes to develop your response framework
• 2-3 minutes to write your response
• 30 seconds to review and refine

Common Mistakes That Lower CASPer Scores

Understanding common pitfalls can help you avoid score-reducing mistakes:

• Rushing Responses: Incomplete or poorly structured answers due to time pressure
• Ignoring Multiple Perspectives: Failing to consider different stakeholder viewpoints
• Overly Simplistic Solutions: Proposing solutions that don't address complexity
• Lack of Cultural Sensitivity: Making assumptions about cultural backgrounds
• Poor Communication: Unclear writing or lack of empathy in responses

CasperCoach emphasizes that avoiding these common mistakes is often more important than memorizing specific content or responses.

Improving Your CASPer Score: Evidence-Based Strategies

Practice with Realistic Scenarios

Regular practice with authentic CASPer-style scenarios is crucial for score improvement. Focus on scenarios that test the specific competencies medical schools value.

Develop Professional Competencies

Beyond test preparation, actively develop the professional competencies that CASPer evaluates:

• Seek leadership roles in diverse teams
• Volunteer with culturally diverse populations
• Engage in ethical discussions and debates
• Practice reflective writing about challenging experiences
• Develop active listening and communication skills

Get Expert Feedback

Professional feedback on your practice responses can identify areas for improvement that you might not notice yourself. CasperCoach provides detailed feedback on response structure, content, and professional competency demonstration.

What to Do If You Don't Get Your Target Score

If your CASPer score doesn't meet your target, consider these strategies:

Retake Considerations

CASPer allows retakes, but medical schools may see all your scores. Consider retaking only if you have significantly improved your preparation and believe you can achieve a higher quartile.

Strengthen Other Application Components

Focus on strengthening other parts of your application to compensate for a lower CASPer score:

• Improve your GPA or MCAT score
• Enhance your extracurricular activities and leadership
• Strengthen your personal statement and secondary essays
• Gain additional clinical or research experience

Research School-Specific Requirements

Some medical schools place less emphasis on CASPer scores or have different thresholds. Research your target schools' specific requirements and preferences.

The Future of CASPer Scoring

As medical education evolves, CASPer scoring may become more sophisticated. CasperCoach notes that future updates may include more granular competency assessments and enhanced feedback for candidates.

Conclusion: Defining Success on the CASPer Test

A "good" CASPer score depends on your target medical schools and overall application strength. While 4th quartile is ideal, 3rd quartile scores can be competitive with strong supporting credentials.

The key to achieving a good CASPer score lies in understanding what medical schools value and developing the professional competencies that the test evaluates. CasperCoach emphasizes that authentic development of these competencies, rather than memorization, leads to the most sustainable score improvements.

Remember that CASPer is just one component of your medical school application. While achieving a competitive score is important, it should be part of a comprehensive strategy that includes strong academic performance, meaningful experiences, and compelling personal statements.