See the score, and more. Evaluate a law school applicant’s potential to thrive in law school.

JD-Next is an 8-week online course that culminates in a law school admissions assessment. For law schools, JD-Next provides an additional, research-backed admissions signal to help evaluate applicants’ readiness for the 1L classroom.

EXPLORE ADOPTION REVIEW THE RESEARCH

Law School Admissions Person Weighing Benefits of JD-Next Admissions Assessment

The JD-Next Advantage

See the score, and more. Holistic admissions need more than one signal.

JD-Next gives law schools another way to evaluate academic readiness. The program introduces students to real law school skills, including legal reading, case analysis, rule synthesis, and analytical reasoning, then measures their proficiency through a law school admissions assessment.

Backed by Research. Built for Informed Admissions.

JD-Next is supported by peer-reviewed research and independent validity studies that examine its relationship to early law school performance. As part of a holistic admissions process, JD-Next can provide an additional data point for evaluating readiness and potential.

How law schools can use JD-Next

Law schools can use JD-Next to:

Provide an evidence-based alternative admissions pathway, where approved and adopted

Add another readiness signal to support holistic review

Inform waitlist and addendum review decisions

Identify incoming students who may benefit from early academic support

A Skill-Based Assessment of Law School Readiness

JD-Next measures the skills students learn in the course, giving applicants a structured way to demonstrate readiness for the 1L classroom. Because the assessment is tied to course-based learning, it can provide law schools with insight into how students engage with legal concepts, apply rules, and analyze legal materials.

Increases 1L GPA by 0.20 points, on average
Supports at-risk students with a proven resource
Strengthens legal problem-solving and knowledge

Provides a preview of the rigors of law school
Enhances student success from day one
Improves analytical and critical thinking skills essential for law school

Used by a Growing Number of Law Schools

A growing number of law schools are authorized to consider JD-Next in different ways. Some schools may use JD-Next as an alternative admissions assessment, while others may consider it as an additional admissions signal within a holistic application review.

Learn More About JD-Next for Your Law School

Explore how JD-Next can support holistic admissions, applicant evaluation, and early academic support. For more information, contact the JD-Next team at jd.next@aspenpublishing.com.

The JD-Next Mission

JD-Next exists to expand access to legal education by helping applicants build and demonstrate readiness through a rigorous 8-week online program that culminates in a valid and reliable law school admissions assessment.