JD-Next: A Game-Changer in Law School Admissions?
In the ever-evolving landscape of law school admissions, a new player has emerged, promising to level the playing field and reduce disparities in test scores among underrepresented groups. JD-Next, a program initially designed to help admitted law school students develop critical reading and analysis skills, has gained recognition and approval from the American Bar Association (ABA) in June 2023 to be used as a law school admission at select universities. In this blog, we will delve into the key aspects of JD-Next and its potential implications for aspiring law students.
What is JD-Next?
JD-Next was born in 2019 with a primary mission: to equip admitted law school students with the essential reading and analysis skills necessary for success in law school. The program was developed and piloted by the University of Arizona. The ABA approved JD-Next as a law school admissions test for Arizona and is also allowing 32 schools who obtained a variance to use JD-Next in the upcoming cycle (more on that later!).
It was designed to bridge gaps in preparedness and level the playing field for all students, regardless of their background. The program focuses on eliminating admission test score disparities, particularly when compared to legacy admissions tests like the LSAT or GRE.
How Does JD-Next Differ from the LSAT?
The most striking difference between JD-Next and traditional law school admissions tests like the LSAT is its approach. Instead of a standard exam, JD-Next offers an 8-week online course designed to teach students the key skills needed for law school success. Once the course is completed, students take the JD-Next exam at a specified time, virtually. This asynchronous course structure aims to cater to diverse schedules and learning styles. As of now, the courses are scheduled to run twice a year, in October and April.
What Are the Costs Associated with JD-Next?
Financial accessibility is a central tenet of JD-Next. The full cost of the online course and exam is $250, and this includes score reports. JD-Next's goal is to reduce financial barriers, with the assurance that everything needed to pass the exam is covered in the course. However, it's unclear at this time whether JD-Next will offer fee waivers or discounts for students with documented financial need.
Do You Still Need to Take the LSAT or GRE?
The answer to this question varies by law school. Some institutions may accept students based solely on their JD-Next score, while others may still require additional exams like the LSAT or GRE. The landscape of law school admissions is evolving, so it's essential to check the requirements of the specific schools you're interested in.
As a reminder, a standardized exam is still required for law school admission by the ABA. The schools accepting JD-Next have obtained a variance, or exception, to this rule for the upcoming cycle.
Schools Accepting JD-Next in the 2024-2025 Cycle:
The list of schools accepting JD-Next in the upcoming admissions cycle is steadily growing. As of now, these institutions have embraced JD-Next as an admissions test:
Brigham Young University Law School
California Western School of Law
UC Davis School of Law
Case Western Reserve School of Law
Charleston School of Law
University of Cincinnati College of Law
CUNY School of Law
Cleveland State University College of Law
Creighton University School of Law
University of Dayton School of Law
Drake University School of Law
Florida International College of Law
Georgetown University Law Center
University of Georgia School of Law
Hofstra University School of Law
Loyola University - New Orleans College of Law
University of Miami School of Law
Mississippi College School of Law
University of Nebraska College of Law
Nova Southeastern University Law Center
Oklahoma City University School of Law
Pacific McGeorge School of Law
University of Pittsburgh School of Law
University of South Dakota School of Law
St. Mary University School of Law
Suffolk University Law School
Syracuse University College of Law
Temple University School of Law
Texas A&M University School of Law
Texas Tech University School of Law
Vanderbilt University Law School
Widener University Delaware Law School
Should You Choose JD-Next?
As JD-Next enters the scene, both students and law schools are navigating uncharted waters. Because this is the inaugural year for the JD-Next exam, there's no historical admissions data to rely on. Consequently, law schools may admit only a select few JD-Next-only applicants in the 2024-2025 cycle to better understand how these students perform in their first year and beyond.
Given this uncertainty, our recommendation is to proceed with caution. It's still advisable to consider taking the LSAT or GRE for the 2024-2025 cycle. While JD-Next holds promise, it's wise to have a backup plan until more data and experience become available.
Implications for BIPOC and Marginalized Students
One of the key aspects we're watching closely is how JD-Next will impact marginalized students. On the surface, the program appears to be a potential game-changer. Its low cost and built-in course model could help reduce barriers created by a lack of resources for LSAT or GRE preparation.
However, it's essential to be cautious. Marginalized students already face significant challenges, and the recent affirmative action ruling has raised concerns about increased barriers to admissions. While JD-Next offers a cost-effective and seemingly easier route, it's important to consider the potential risks and consequences it may pose for marginalized students.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, JD-Next represents a significant development in law school admissions, offering a fresh approach to testing and preparing students for success. As it gains traction and more data becomes available, its impact on the legal education landscape will become clearer. For now, aspiring law students should weigh their options carefully, considering their individual circumstances and the evolving nature of admissions requirements.
The team at Barrier Breakers® Admissions Advising is here to support you through this law school application cycle! Whether it's through discounted advising for BIPOC, first-generation, and LSAC Fee Waiver applicants, our essay review services and courses, or just downloading our free Essential Guide to Applying to Law School, we're here to help make this process easier.
As always, feel free to reach out to us at hello@barrier-breakers.org with any of your questions! You can also submit a question to be answered on our weekly Break Into Law School® Podcast, streaming wherever your favorite podcast service is.