Casper for PA school: which programs ask for it
Which physician assistant programs require Casper for the 2026–27 cycle, the test type to book, and the deadlines and score minimums programs publish.
Key facts
- PA applicants book United States Casper 2 for 2026–27. Acuity renamed the test type this cycle.
- Boston University requires a score in the 3rd quartile or higher and won’t review applications without Casper.
- CU Anschutz, Augusta University, Samuel Merritt and Midwestern University also require Casper.
- Not every program does: Florida State stopped requiring Casper starting with the 2026 cycle.
- Deadlines vary. Several programs’ last accepted test date was August 25, 2026.
On this page
Casper is common in PA admissions, but it isn’t universal, and the rules differ by program. Here is what programs say on their own pages for the 2026–27 cycle.
Which test to book
Acuity renamed its test types for 2026–27. If you’re applying to Professional Health Sciences programs, Acuity says you “must now select United States Casper 2 when reserving your test.” It also notes that programs only accept the test type in their requirements.1 Boston University confirms that “the CASPer test for PA Programs has been renamed United States Casper 2.”2
Programs that require Casper
| Program | What it says | Last test date |
|---|---|---|
| Boston University | Required. Applications without scores won’t be reviewed. Minimum: 3rd quartile (50th percentile and up). | Aug 25, 2026 |
| CU Anschutz (CHA/PA) | United States Casper 2 required for all applicants. Snapshot not required. | Aug 25, 2026 |
| Augusta University | Required for the current cycle. Results valid for one cycle. | Not stated |
| Samuel Merritt University | Required. No interview or admission without a result. | Sept 27, 2026 |
| Midwestern University (Downers Grove) | Required before interview. Higher quartiles preferred. | Not stated |
Sources: Boston University,2 CU Anschutz,3 Augusta University,4 Samuel Merritt University5 and Midwestern University.6
Not every program asks for it
Florida State’s School of Physician Assistant Practice stopped requiring Casper starting with the 2026 application cycle.7 Programs add and drop Casper between cycles, so check each program’s page before you book.
Reading the minimums
Some programs set a minimum score. Boston University is explicit: “Applications with scores below the 3rd quartile will not be considered.”2 Others, like Midwestern, list higher quartiles as a preferred qualification rather than a cutoff.6
Questions
Which Casper test do PA applicants take?
United States Casper 2. Acuity says applicants to Professional Health Sciences programs must select that test type for 2026–27, and Boston University confirms it’s the PA test.
Do PA programs require Snapshot?
Not the ones listed here. CU Anschutz says it does not require or review the Casper Snapshot.
Sources
- Acuity Insights. How do I find the right Casper test type?intercom.help · Accessed October 2026
- Boston University, Physician Assistant Program. How to applybu.edu · Accessed October 2026
- University of Colorado Anschutz, Child Health Associate/Physician Assistant Program. How to applymedschool.cuanschutz.edu · Accessed October 2026
- Augusta University. Physician assistant admission requirementsaugusta.edu · Accessed October 2026
- Samuel Merritt University. Master of Physician Assistantsamuelmerritt.edu · Accessed October 2026
- Midwestern University, Downers Grove. Admissions, 2026–2027 catalogcatalog.il.midwestern.edu · Accessed October 2026
- Florida State University College of Medicine. PA admissionsmed.fsu.edu · Accessed October 2026
