For those of you unaware, since 2010, McMaster Medical School started using an online assessment tool known as CASPer as part of its applicant screening process. It is now an integral part of the admissions process, making up 32% of the pre-interview score. Two years ago, I wrote an article about how CASPer was developed and how an applicant should go about preparing for it.

As I have mentioned recently, I have developed a strong interest in project development and entrepreneurship, and it was a lot of fun taking a problem (preparing for CASPer), creating a solution (practice exams) and scaling that solution to a wide level (making it available online for applicants everywhere). We have developed some very cool features:

Online practice simulations

Our practice exams are the core of MockCasper. Each version is a full-length exam with 8 scenario-based sections and 4 self-descriptive sections just like the real CASPer. The only difference is that we currently use text-based scenarios instead of video-based scenarios. However, developing video-based scenarios is something we are looking at for the future.

McMaster CASPer Guide

Together, we have also written a comprehensive guide with a lot of tips for how to do well on CASPer. It includes advice on both preparing for CASPer and actually completing it.

Applicant profile

We have also developed a neat tool to help applicants organize their application. It is a personal applicant profile where you can store your GPA, MCAT scores (including multiple attempts), ECs/experiences for various categories (leadership, teamwork, scholar, etc.), and who your reference letters will come from. The idea is to start your profile early on (even as early as the beginning of undergrad), and by completing your profile, you will start to see where holes or gaps in your application might be. It also makes it easier when you do apply to medical school because all relevant information will now be in one place. You will need to create an account to have access to your personal profile. It is completely private and for your own viewing/use only.

This is an exciting project for us and we are stoked to share it with everyone. Whether or not you end up using our practice CASPer simulations, I hope you take advantage of the CASPer Guide and the applicant profile. In any case, I wish you all the best of luck applying to medical school this year!