Altus Snapshot 2025: What It Was, Why It Ended, and What To Prep For Now

Introduction

Altus Snapshot was a short, one-way video interview once used alongside Casper and Duet to give admissions teams a fuller picture of applicants. Since the 2023 to 2024 cycle, Snapshot has been phased out and is not required for the 2025 to 2026 application cycle. The two tools you are most likely to encounter today are Casper and, at some programs, Duet. 

Quick status check for 2025 to 2026

• Snapshot was discontinued beginning in 2023 to 2024 and remains off the table this cycle.
• Expect Casper at many schools and Duet at some programs. Always verify each school’s requirements.
  
  

What Snapshot used to look like

Historically, Snapshot presented three interview-style prompts. You had 30 seconds of reflection time per prompt and up to two minutes to record each response, with the whole exercise taking about 10 minutes. You could not re-record. This background helps you understand why some schools still value quick, clear video communication.

What to focus on now

I. Casper preparation

Practice concise, ethical reasoning for typed and video scenarios. Use official system checks and sample materials on the Acuity site, and schedule a date early enough to meet each program’s timeline.

II. Duet readiness

Review a program’s mission and curriculum so your preferences align honestly during the value-matching exercise. Requirements vary by school.

III. General video-response skills

Even without Snapshot, many schools use asynchronous video tasks or live virtual interviews. Rehearse two-minute answers, maintain steady eye contact, and keep framing, lighting, and audio clean.

Practice prompts to sharpen your two-minute responses

1. Tell us about an experience that changed how you view teamwork.
2. Describe a time you made a mistake and what you learned.
3. What aspect of practicing medicine are you most excited to contribute to, and why?
4. Share a book, film, or talk that influenced your approach to patient care.

Tip: Outline quickly, speak plainly, and finish with a clear takeaway.

Tech and setup checklist

• Stable internet, working mic and webcam, quiet well-lit space, and a neutral background. Do an official system check before any online assessment. 
  
  

Building experiences that strengthen your answers

Authentic clinical exposure makes structured responses easier to deliver. If you are looking to get clinical experience to give you great talking points during your interviews, explore Go Elective’s healthcare internships in Africa. Use experiences to demonstrate teamwork, cultural humility, ethics, and communication.

FAQs: Altus Snapshot and Related Assessments

#1. Is Altus Snapshot still required for medical school admissions?

No. Snapshot was phased out beginning with the 2023 to 2024 cycle and is not required for 2025 to 2026. Verify each school’s current policy.

#2. What should I prepare for instead?

Prioritize Casper and check whether a school also asks for Duet. Some schools require Casper only, some Casper plus Duet. 

#3. What was the Snapshot format, and can I still practice that style?

It used three prompts with 30 seconds to think and 2 minutes to answer, completed in about 10 minutes. You can still practice two-minute responses to build clarity and timing for virtual interviews.

#4. Where can I confirm official test logistics and run a system check?

Use the Acuity Insights Casper page for dates, registration, and a tech check. 

Conclusion

Snapshot is history, but the skill it targeted still matters. Focus on Casper, confirm whether Duet is required at your schools, and keep practicing clear, two-minute responses for virtual formats. Pair that with real clinical exposure you can discuss thoughtfully, and you will be ready for this cycle.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, MCAT/MSAR/USMLE,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 17, 2025