ABA Maintains Requirement for Law Schools to Apply for Variance to Accept JD-Next Scores

The role of standardized tests like the LSAT in law school admissions has come under scrutiny in recent years. Critics question their ability to predict law school success and point out potential biases that could disadvantage applicants of certain races and ethnicities. 

This debate has opened the door to rethinking how law schools assess candidates, including the possibility of moving away from traditional standardized tests. 

JD-Next has emerged as a potential solution, offering a different approach to evaluating applicants based on their ability to engage with and learn from a specially designed preparatory course rather than just their test scores. 

On February 22, 2024, the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar decided to maintain the status quo regarding JD-Next's acceptance. Law schools will still need to apply for a variance from the ABA to use JD-Next scores for admissions.

What is JD-Next? 

Unlike traditional standardized tests such as the LSAT and GRE, JD-Next is not just an exam but a comprehensive program designed to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude for legal studies through a more holistic lens. 

Developed by the University of Arizona College of Law, JD-Next is a fully online, eight-week course culminating in a law school-style exam. It measures not only the knowledge candidates have amassed but, more importantly, their capacity to apply this knowledge in a manner akin to real-world legal problem-solving. 

The bundled price for the course, examination, and score reports is currently $299, making it significantly cheaper than the LSAT. 

How long does it take to complete the course and test

The JD-Next course is designed to be comprehensive yet manageable for prospective law students. It includes around 10 hours of video content divided into numerous short segments, covering concept introductions, lectures, and key takeaways. The course kicks off with a critical “Case Brief Workshop,” which teaches participants how to read legal cases effectively and identify essential rules and facts. 

In the first four weeks, the focus is on skills workshops, after which the course shifts to doctrinal law, applying the skills learned earlier. The course doesn’t aim to replace any of the classes you’ll take in your first year but features many of the classic cases that you will encounter during your first year. 

It is estimated that students will need to dedicate about six to nine hours every week for eight weeks to complete the course. While it’s structured to allow students to progress at their own pace, adhering to the recommended schedule is strongly advised to ensure a steady and effective learning experience. 

The final assessment comprises mostly multiple-choice questions, along with a writing component, designed to evaluate students’ understanding and application of the material covered throughout the course. 

Does JD-Next predict law school success? 

Understanding the predictive power of JD-Next requires a brief look at the traditional measures of law school success: LSAT scores and undergraduate GPA (UGPA). While neither perfectly predicts law school performance, they have been staples in admissions decisions. 

According to the Law School Admissions Council (LSAC), LSAT scores have a correlation of 0.6 with first-year law school grades, indicating a moderately strong relationship. In comparison, the correlation for UGPA stands at 0.4, suggesting it is a weaker predictor of law school success than LSAT scores. 

Turning to JD-Next, recent scientific research provides compelling evidence for its effectiveness. Studies have shown that engagement with the JD-Next program, particularly for students who complete the course, significantly boosts law school grades. More than just academic performance, JD-Next also enhances students’ confidence during their critical first year. 

The research underscores JD-Next’s dual advantages: it not only acts as a reliable predictor of law school success but also plays a crucial role in preparing students more holistically for the rigors of law school. 

Some, however, have cautioned against relying too heavily on JD-Next as a predictor of law school success. Doctor Nathan Kuncel, a psychology professor at the University of Minnesota, submitted a report to the ABA Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar, in which he concludes that due to "multiple cautions and caveats that cannot be evaluated with the present data and may represent threats to the tests validity," JD-Next should, at least initially, be used "as a secondary supplement to existing and well validated measures like college grades, LSAT, or GRE scores."

The future of law school admissions

The integration of JD-Next into law school admissions would herald a new era of inclusivity and accessibility. By focusing on the applicant’s ability to engage with legal concepts and think critically, JD-Next aims to mitigate the racial and socioeconomic disparities arguably perpetuated by traditional standardized testing. 

Moreover, JD Next’s innovative approach aligns with a growing trend in education that values dynamic testing--assessments that measure learning potential through teaching and feedback. Such a shift could profoundly impact how law schools identify and nurture legal talent, opening doors for a diverse array of students who possess the grit and determination to excel in the legal profession but may have been overlooked by conventional admissions criteria. 

While the ABA's Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar voted not to deem JD-Next "valid and reliable," meaning law school admissions offices cannot use the test without special ABA permission, as they can with the LSAT and GRE, law schools still have the option to apply for a variance to use the scores. Presently, a quarter of law schools have already been granted a variance.