Is CASPer the Right Tool for Vet Schools?

Vet schools aim to find students who excel beyond academics. They seek individuals who are compassionate, accountable, and skilled in teamwork. To identify these traits, some institutions have adopted the CASPer test, an online assessment that evaluates how applicants respond to various scenarios. The goal is to gauge whether they possess the ideal qualities for veterinary medicine. However, CASPer's fairness has been questioned. Between 2020 and 2021, a U. S. vet school used CASPer as part of its admissions process. Applicants needed to meet a minimum score to proceed. Interestingly, male students, minority students, and international students were more likely to be disqualified. This raises concerns about the test's inclusivity. Even among those who met the minimum score, disparities persisted. First-generation students, male students, minority students, and international students scored lower on average. Surprisingly, CASPer scores also correlated with academic performance, which contradicted the school's intention to identify well-rounded candidates beyond grades. The school became concerned. They did not want to disadvantage any group of students. Additionally, they were unsure if CASPer effectively assessed the skills needed for veterinary practice, as there is limited research on its relevance in this field. Consequently, the school decided to halt the use of CASPer until more evidence supports its fairness and utility. Diversity in vet schools is crucial. A varied student body leads to a more inclusive and well-rounded veterinary profession. However, if tests like CASPer inadvertently create barriers for certain groups, they may not be the best tool for admissions. The school's decision highlights the importance of carefully evaluating admissions criteria to ensure fairness for all applicants.