Do you actually need to stress about CASPer and Preview? What do admissions committees really do with your scores? And how do you answer these situational judgment questions the right way?
In this Jack Westin Pre-Med Admissions Podcast episode, Molly Kielty (Director of Instruction) hosts Dr. Anita Paschal (MD, double PhD, 35+ years on admissions committees) for a complete breakdown of both the CASPer and Preview exams. Dr. Paschal shares insider committee perspective on how these scores are actually used, walks through real practice scenarios with strong and weak responses, and gives you the exact framework to approach every question.
In this episode, you'll learn:
🏥 How admissions committees actually use CASPer and Preview scores (it's not what you think)
📊 Why a low score won't necessarily tank your application, with a real example of a bottom-quartile scorer getting into Harvard, Yale, Cornell, and Duke
✍️ CASPer format breakdown: 11 scenarios (4 video, 7 typed), scoring in quartiles, and the 2024-25 changes
📋 Preview format breakdown: 30 scenarios, 186 questions, multiple choice effectiveness ratings scored 1-9
🧠 The I3P framework for answering any CASPer question: Issues, Impact, Information, Potential Approaches
🎯 Full walkthrough of a CASPer interpersonal/financial conflict scenario with weak vs. strong responses
🎯 Full walkthrough of a CASPer workplace dynamics scenario covering empathy, systems thinking, and collaboration
🎓 Full walkthrough of a Preview guest lecturer scenario rated on a 4-point effectiveness scale
💰 Cost comparison: CASPer ($85 + $18 per school) vs. Preview ($100 flat)
📅 When to register and test (May through July recommended)
🔄 Retake rules: CASPer is once per cycle, Preview allows 4 attempts in a lifetime
⚖️ Side-by-side comparison of format, timing, scoring, score distribution, and which schools require which
Whether you're applying this cycle or just starting to plan, this episode gives you the insider knowledge and practical strategy to approach both exams with confidence.
📚 Free CASPer and Preview resources at jackwestin.com
🎧 Full episodes on the Jack Westin Pre-Med Admissions Podcast
Coming up next: Deep dive into CASPer with more practice scenarios, followed by a dedicated Preview episode.
Want to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com! 📱
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