Canadian Medical School Admissions Test Under Scrutiny
Toronto, Wednesday, 16 April 2025.
The Casper test, used by most Canadian medical schools to evaluate applicants, faces criticism for lacking substantial evidence of its predictive validity, potentially prompting admissions process changes.
Widespread Implementation and Concerns
Currently, twelve of Canada’s seventeen medical schools rely heavily on the Casper (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) test, with some institutions weighing it as much as 30% of the admissions decision [1][2]. The test, developed at McMaster University and implemented since 2010 [2], aims to evaluate candidates’ soft skills such as empathy and ethical judgment. However, prominent experts in medical education are raising significant concerns about its effectiveness.
Expert Criticism and Research Gaps
Jennifer Cleland, an internationally renowned researcher in medical school selection at Singapore’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, has been particularly vocal about the test’s shortcomings. ‘There is no evidence that Casper predicts future performance,’ Cleland states, noting that the existing research is surprisingly poor in quality [1]. Two longitudinal studies examined by CBC found no significant correlation between Casper performance and professional competency during medical school or success in obtaining medical licensing [1].
Transparency and Methodology Concerns
The test’s lack of transparency has emerged as a critical issue. The grading process relies on raters who aren’t required to have specific qualifications [2], raising questions about assessment consistency and reliability. Critics, including Science-Based Medicine’s Braden MacBeth, argue that the test should not be used in admissions decisions due to these transparency issues [2]. Most research supporting the test’s effectiveness has been conducted by individuals affiliated with the company that produces it [2], creating potential conflicts of interest that further complicate its validity assessment.
Future Implications
The controversy has prompted discussions about potential reforms to medical school admissions processes. A meeting scheduled for May 1, 2025, will address these concerns [3], potentially leading to significant changes in how future healthcare professionals are selected. This reevaluation comes at a crucial time when ensuring fair and effective medical school admissions processes is particularly vital for maintaining the quality of healthcare education [1].