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Law School Entrance Exam or Test Options

JD-Next® is an 8-week online program that culminates in a valid and reliable law school admissions assessment. Use it as a skills-based alternative to the LSAT® where accepted, or as an optional addendum that demonstrates your readiness for the 1L classroom. 

As an alternative, JD-Next can serve in place of the LSAT. As an addendum, it can strengthen an application that includes another test score. 

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Compare Exam Options | See Where JD-Next Is Accepted | Read the FAQs 


Understand Your Law School Exam Options 

Most U.S. law schools require a standardized exam score. The LSAT and GRE are the traditional law school admission test options, and each school sets its own policy on accepted scores. 

JD-Next is a skills-based course and law school exam built on case law analysis, legal reasoning, and analytical writing. It is a law school admissions assessment, not LSAT test preparation. 

LSAT® GRE® JD-Next®
What it is Standardized law school admission test Standardized graduate school exam 8-week online program with a law school admissions assessment
Role in your application Exam score Exam score where accepted Alternative exam score where accepted, or optional addendum
Where it's used Law schools Many law schools; policies vary Law schools that accept JD-Next; addendum elsewhere

Confirm each school's policy before you register.

DOWNLOAD EXAM COMPARISON


How JD-Next Fits Into Law School Applications 

At present, over 65 law schools can accept JD-Next in lieu of the LSAT for the 2025-26 admissions cycle if they choose, and more are pursuing approval. Students can also submit their JD-Next score as an optional addendum alongside their LSAT or GRE score to show perseverance, grit, and law school readiness. 

A typical application* includes: 

  • Undergraduate GPA and transcripts 

  • Exam score: LSAT, GRE, or JD-Next where accepted 

  • Personal statement 

  • Letters of recommendation 

  • Resume 

  • Optional addendum: JD-Next score and law-focused writing sample 

*Confirm each law school’s Admissions requirement   

 

Why Applicants Choose JD-Next 

The 8-week course takes about one hour a day. Interactive lessons, quizzes, and assignments teach case law analysis, legal reasoning, and analytical writing, with personalized feedback on your writing. 

The assessment measures what the course teaches, so results reflect learning, effort, and demonstrated readiness. 

Peer-reviewed research and independent validity studies point to: 

  • Predictive validity for first-year success 

  • Smaller score disparities across demographic groups 

  • Association with improved performance in a targeted 1L course and first-semester GPA 

JD-Next can be a strong option for students who want to stand out, students with test anxiety, and career changers. 

"I feel way more comfortable diving into my classwork than I would have otherwise." 

Mary B., Law Student, Georgetown University Law Center

Where JD-Next Is Accepted for Law School Admission 

Law schools that accept JD-Next can use it as your exam score. Others can seek American Bar Association approval to accept it. That approval is called a variance. 

View JD-Next Variance Schools 

Check out each school's admissions page or contact them for their current admit policy and usage of JD-Next. If a school doesn't accept JD-Next, students can include it as an optional addendum.

 

Law School Exam FAQs 

Most law schools require an exam score. Some accept JD-Next instead. Check out each school's admissions page.

At law schools that accept it, yes. Elsewhere, submit it as an optional addendum. Contact the law school directly to learn more about their usage of JD-Next. 

No. JD-Next is a unique experience in that during the 8-week course, students learn and master real law school skills and gain exposure to doctrinal law. The 100-question assessment is a valid and reliable measure of a candidate's proficiency in applying those skills and potential for excelling in law school.

100 multiple-choice questions (70 scored) and one ungraded essay. Scores range from 400 to 1,000 and are valid for up to five years. You receive your score and can then choose which schools receive your results.

No. JD-Next registration includes the 8-week online program, course materials, the admissions assessment, and three score reports. You can review sample questions on jdnext.org before you begin.

“I’m part of the handful of students accepted into Maryland Carey Law with JD-Next as my standalone score. I’m grateful for a program that helps applicants overcome admissions barriers while preparing them for the rigors of a legal education.”  

Tye B., Incoming 1L, Maryland Carey Law

Get Started With Your Law School Entrance Assessment 

Choose the course date that fits your application timeline. Registration includes the 8-week online program, course materials, the admissions assessment, and three score reports. 

  • Early Registration: $399 

  • Standard Registration: $459 

  • Late Registration: $499 ($459 plus a $40 administration fee) 

Review Test Format and Scoring, Sample Questions, and the FAQs before you decide.

Enroll in JD-Next

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