Virtual Screening Assessments

Virtual Screening Assessments: An Overview

Many health profession schools now use virtual assessments to support holistic admissions. These tools evaluate traits beyond academics, such as judgment, ethics, and communication. Here are the most common platforms:

CASPer (Acuity Insights)

  • Overview: CASPer is an online situational judgment test increasingly used in medical and health professions admissions.
  • What it Assesses: Professionalism, ethics, communication, and empathy.
  • Format and Timing: 11 scenarios (4 video, 7 typed responses), completed in 65–85 minutes. You’ll provide both written (typed) and video-recorded responses. Requires a computer with a webcam; must register at least 3 days in advance.
  • Fees: $85 for seven program distributions; more for each additional school.
  • Preparation Tips:
  • Results: Schools may receive both traditional and video response scores.
  • Other Notes: Some schools require CASPer, some recommend it, and others use it as a pre-screen only. For accommodations, email [email protected] at least 3 weeks ahead.

Duet (Acuity Insights)

  • Overview: Duet is a supplemental online assessment, often completed alongside CASPer.
  • What it Assesses: Value alignment and fit between applicant and program.
  • Format and Timing: Online, typically after or during the CASPer assessment window. Presents 21 pairs of items for comparison for you to select the one that aligns more with your personal values and priorities in educaiton and healthcare. Untimed, takes roughly 15 minutes to complete.
  • Fees: Included in the CASPer/Acuity Insights suite; no separate fee in most cases.
  • Preparation Tips: Review your own values and goals, and research the mission and characteristics of your target programs.
  • Other Notes: Duet is required by some schools—always check your programs’ specific requirements.

PREview (AAMC)

  • Overview: PREview™ is an AAMC situational judgment test.
  • What it Assesses: Resilience, service orientation, ethics, cultural competence, teamwork, and other professional competencies.
  • Format and Timing: 75-minute online exam, completed at your chosen secure location, between March and October. Live remote human proctor.
  • Fees: $100 (unlimited score distribution); fee waived for approved AAMC Fee Assistance Program recipients.
  • Preparation Tips:
    • Take advantage of free official AAMC practice resources, including a full-length test.
    • Review the core competencies listed above, reflect on relevant experiences, and practice answering situational judgment questions.
  • Results: Score reports within 30 days of testing. List of participating schools is published annually.

Kira Talent Interview

  • Overview: Kira Talent is a timed, asynchronous online interview platform, common for dental and some osteopathic programs.
  • What it Assesses: Communication, professionalism, judgment, and personal attributes through video/written responses.
  • Format and Timing: Complete video and/or written responses to pre-recorded questions from any location, at your own convenience within a specified window.
  • Fees: Institution-dependent; check your program’s portal.
  • Preparation Tips:
    • Reflect on your recent experiences and what you learned from them.
    • Review common behavioral and situational interview questions.
    • Practice concise spoken and written responses. See practice/best practice tips.
  • Results: Schools review your responses as part of the evaluation—no standardized score report.
  • Other Notes: Kira is typically only one component of a school’s holistic admissions review.

Final Thoughts

These virtual assessments are both screening tools and practice for future interviews. Approach them as opportunities to demonstrate your professionalism and critical thinking skills early in the process.

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