Casper vs AAMC PREview: Medical School SJTs Compared (2026)

Category	Casper	AAMC PREview
Administered by	Acuity Insights	AAMC
Format	Open-response: one video-response and one typed-response section	186 questions in about 75 minutes, online
Passing standard	Rated by trained human raters; applicants receive a quartile	You rate responses from 1 (very ineffective) to 4 (very effective); scored by AAMC
Focus	Social intelligence and professionalism (e.g., empathy, ethics, collaboration)	Professionalism: personal accountability and relational skills

Key differences

compare_arrowsAnswer style: Casper asks for your own words, typed and on video; PREview has you rate how effective given behaviors are.
compare_arrowsLength: PREview takes about 75 minutes and has 186 questions.
compare_arrowsScoring: Casper is scored by trained human raters, and applicants see a quartile; PREview is scored by the AAMC from your effectiveness ratings.
compare_arrowsSchools: more than 70 U.S. medical schools accept PREview scores for the 2026 AMCAS cycle; Casper is required by its own set of programs. Check each school's list.
compare_arrowsWhat they measure: both are situational judgment tests about professionalism and people skills, not science knowledge, so they don’t replace the MCAT.
compare_arrowsPreparation: get familiar with each format (typed and video responses for Casper; rating given responses for PREview) before test day.

error Common mistakes

× Assuming every school requires the same test.
× Practicing only one format when your schools need both.
× Leaving registration until the last minute in your application cycle.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need Casper or PREview?expand_more

It depends on your school list. Some schools require or accept PREview, others require Casper, and some ask for neither. Check each school's admissions requirements before registering.

How long is the AAMC PREview?expand_more

The AAMC says it takes approximately 75 minutes and has 186 questions, delivered through a secure online testing environment.

How is Casper scored?expand_more

Each scenario is rated by a different trained rater. Schools receive a z-score and percentile; applicants receive a quartile.

Can I take both Casper and PREview?expand_more

Yes. Some applicants take both because the schools on their list require different tests. Check each school’s requirements before you register.

Does Casper or PREview replace the MCAT?expand_more

No. Both measure professional and interpersonal judgment and are used alongside the MCAT, not instead of it.

How should I prepare for Casper vs PREview?expand_more

For Casper vs PREview, prepare for the format each test uses. Casper asks you to type and record your own responses to scenarios, so practice explaining your reasoning clearly and quickly. PREview asks you to rate how effective given responses are, so practice judging behaviors against professional expectations such as accountability, empathy and teamwork.

The bottom line

Build your school list first, then register for whichever tests those schools want. Practice both formats out loud and with timing, since neither rewards memorized content.

Sources

Exam formats and product features change. Check the official pages above before you register or buy.

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Casper vs AAMC PREview: The Two Medical School Situational Judgment Tests

Key differences

Frequently asked questions

The bottom line

Sources

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