JD-Next and the LSAT

JD-Next is an 8-week online program that culminates in a law school admissions assessment. At law schools that accept it, JD-Next may be used as an alternative to the LSAT or GRE, or as a powerful addendum to strengthen your application.

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Law student looking at two paths to decide between

A Skill-Based Admissions Path for Today’s Law Students

JD-Next gives applicants a structured way to build and demonstrate law school readiness. Through the 8-week online program, students engage with real legal materials, practice core law school skills, and complete an admissions assessment designed to measure readiness for the 1L classroom. For applicants, JD-Next can serve as an evidence-based admissions option where accepted, or as an additional admissions signal that helps law schools see more than a single test score.

Authentic Experience

Work with actual cases used in first-year law school curriculum

Skill Development

Learn legal reasoning and case analysis that prepares you for success

 LSAT vs. JD-Next Admissions Assessment

LSAT

The Standard: Universally accepted by law schools.
Pure Aptitude Test: Focuses on abstract, high-level reasoning skills to display ability to process information and apply it.
Predictive Validity: Long-standing data which is believed to have a strong correlation on predicting 1L GPA.
Purpose: Traditional standardized exam, used for decades to test logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and reading comprehension.
Preparation Time: Requires 3–6 months of intense prep (average 20+ hours per week). Many choose to use prep companies and/or tutors to help create a study schedule.
Format & Experience:  High-pressure, single test day.
Cost:  Registration fees ($200+), plus most students spend $1,000–$2,500 on prep courses and materials.
Skills Measured:  Focuses on skills such as critical reasoning, reading comprehension, and persuasive writing.
Acceptance:  Still widely required by many law schools, but some are exploring alternative standardized tests.

JD-Next

Practical & Predictive:  Teaches and tests actual legal skills and concepts. Peer-reviewed research on predicting 1L GPA.
Equitable & Holistic Approach: A course, not just a test, providing a relevant learning experience before law school, with a design that reduces disparities in admissions, regardless of background or socioeconomic level.
Flexible and Accessible: Complete the program at your own pace online, so you can work around your personal schedule.
GPA Booster: Proven to improve 1L GPA for participants.
Purpose: A newer, law-school-approved assessment alternative that focuses on skills actually needed in law school.
Preparation Time: 8-week online course with structured modules, so prep time is more predictable and manageable (average of one hour per day).
Format & Experience: Built as an 8-week online course + single day test, with opportunities to learn along the way. This reduces “test-day performance stress,” because all materials being tested are covered in the course.
Cost: From $399 covers all costs since it’s one structured course and test combined, including prep materials, eliminating the need for expensive prep companies.
Skills Measured: Measures legal reading and analysis skills, and helps develop study habits that align directly with what students will face in law school.
Acceptance:  Already accepted by more than one-third of ABA-approved law schools (and that number grows each year).

How JD-Next Sets the Bar in Law School Admissions

Course

JD-Next is a flexible, self-paced online course offered four times a year—no travel or time off required.

Cost

JD-Next costs from $399 and includes the course, admissions assessment, all materials, and three free score reports, providing strong value

Access

JD-Next questions are based solely on the 8-week course, leveling the playing field and narrowing score gaps for underrepresented groups.

Admissions

JD-Next is gaining momentum, with over 30% of U.S. law schools approved to accept its scores instead of the LSAT.

The Verdict

In today’s law school admissions landscape, when deciding between the LSAT, GRE or JD-Next Admissions Assessment. JD-Next isn’t just a choice—it’s an advantage that strengthens your law school application.

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