How a single CASPer answer gets scored
Each open-ended response is scored by two independent raters on a 1-9 Likert scale. Raters never see your other responses. They only score the response in front of them.
The two ratings are averaged. AI scoring is now layered on top to provide an additional check — flagging responses where the two human raters diverge significantly, or where AI confidence is low.
This means: your final score is the sum of ~36 independent ratings, each on a 1-9 scale. No single bad answer kills you. No single great answer carries you. Consistency wins.
How your score becomes a quartile
After all responses are rated, your raw total is compared to everyone who sat CASPer on the same date(s) applying to the same programs. You're assigned to a quartile:
| Quartile | Where you fall | Typical interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 1st | Bottom 25% | Below average; most competitive programs filter out |
| 2nd | 25-50% | Below median; competitive programs see this as a flag |
| 3rd | 50-75% | Above average; competitive but not standout |
| 4th | Top 25% | Strong; supports a strong application |
Your quartile score is the only number schools see. They don't see your raw score, your sub-scores, or your ranking within your quartile.
What "passing" CASPer means (and doesn't)
There is no fixed pass mark. Quartiles are relative — your score depends on how everyone else who sat CASPer that day performed.
That said, most competitive medical, dental and pharmacy programs informally cut at 3rd quartile. A few elite Canadian programs cut at 4th. Some less-competitive programs accept 2nd quartile, but it's rare for an admissions committee to publicly state "we want quartile X."
If you score 1st or 2nd quartile, you're not automatically rejected — but it becomes harder for the rest of your application (GPA, MCAT, references) to compensate.
What schools actually want (the unwritten rule)
Most competitive programs want 4th quartile. They won't publish this, but admissions data suggests:
- Top Canadian medical schools (UofT, McMaster, McGill, Dalhousie): 4th quartile expected.
- Mid-tier Canadian medical: 3rd or 4th quartile competitive.
- US allopathic (MD): 3rd quartile typically clears the hurdle; 4th gives an edge.
- US osteopathic (DO): 3rd quartile or higher.
- Pharmacy / dental / nursing: 3rd quartile typically required.
If you're aiming high, plan to score 4th quartile. Targeting 3rd is targeting "acceptable but unremarkable."
Can you re-take CASPer if you score badly?
Not in the same admissions cycle — your score is locked. You'd need to wait for the next cycle and re-apply (most programs allow re-applications).
If your score was unfairly affected by a technical issue, contact Acuity within 48 hours of the test. Score appeals are rare but possible for documented system failures.
Most applicants who score below their target the first time go up 1-2 quartiles on a re-take with structured practice. A focused 4-week prep plan typically lifts performance by half a quartile to a full quartile.
What to do right now to lift your quartile
- Take 1-2 timed practice tests with AI feedback — find which competencies you're weakest on.
- Drill the weak competencies with 5-10 targeted scenarios each.
- Practise the video section on camera — most score loss happens here without rehearsal.
- Read 5-10 sample 4th-quartile answers to internalise structure.
- Sleep + hydrate the day before — fatigue costs you a quartile.
Practice with AI-powered scoring on all 9 competencies.
Free practice scenarios, instant feedback against the same competencies the official CASPer test uses, and a structured 4-week prep plan.
Start practising free →Frequently asked questions
What is a passing CASPer score?
There is no absolute pass mark. Most competitive medical and dental schools informally require 3rd quartile or above. Top programs typically expect 4th quartile.
How is my CASPer quartile decided?
Your raw score (sum of all 1-9 ratings on each response) is compared to everyone who sat CASPer on the same date applying to similar programs. You're placed in 1st-4th quartile based on where your total falls in that cohort.
How long until I get my CASPer score?
Schools typically receive your CASPer quartile score 2-3 weeks after your test. You don't see your own score directly — only the schools you nominated do.
Can I improve my CASPer quartile with practice?
Yes. Most applicants improve by 1-2 quartiles between an unprepared first attempt and a structured 4-week prep cycle, especially on the video section.