⚖ JD-Next adoption surged 275% in 2025–2026 — 30 ABA law schools now admit students on JD-Next scores alone. See all graduate test prep ›
Ace the JD-Next.
Get Into Law School.
ConnectPrep's JD-Next test prep program offers expert 1:1 JD-Next coaching — the only test prep built specifically for the 8-week course and proctored exam. We teach case briefing, contract law analysis, legal reasoning, and the exam strategy that translates into a competitive score. Available everywhere via live online sessions.
JD-Next Prep at a Glance
- ✓ConnectPrep is one of the nation's leading JD-Next prep programs, with the largest curriculum of content, practice questions, and full-length tests built exclusively for the JD-Next course and proctored exam — not recycled LSAT material.
- ✓JD-Next is an 8-week online course + proctored exam from Aspen Publishing that uses real 1L contract-law cases and is accepted as an LSAT alternative by 30+ ABA-accredited law schools.
- ✓Adoption grew 275% in 2025–2026, and 69% of admitted JD-Next students submitted no LSAT score at all. Half of admitted students scored 750–820 on the 400–1,000 scale.
- ✓ConnectPrep offers expert 1:1 JD-Next coaching — case briefing, contract-law doctrine, IRAC analysis, and exam strategy — live online to students nationwide, with coaching available before, during, or as an intensive before the exam.
The LSAT Alternative That’s Changing Law School Admissions
JD-Next is not just another admissions test. It is an 8-week, fully online course published by Aspen Publishing that immerses students in actual 1L-style contract law cases — the same material taught in first-year law school. The proctored exam at the end produces a scored report accepted by a growing list of ABA-accredited law schools in place of the LSAT. It is designed to measure what you can do, not what you already know.
★ Who Should Consider JD-Next?
- Applicants who find the LSAT's formal logic games challenging or frustrating
- Non-traditional applicants who want to demonstrate law school readiness through actual legal work
- Students targeting schools that accept JD-Next as a standalone score
- Applicants who want to strengthen an existing LSAT application with a supplemental JD-Next addendum
- Career changers who want a preview of law school before committing to the full application process
What ConnectPrep JD-Next Coaching Covers
No other prep company offers dedicated JD-Next coaching. ConnectPrep's 1:1 program is built specifically for the 8-week course and proctored exam — not recycled LSAT or bar prep materials. We prepare you for the analytical demands of real legal reasoning from day one.
The ConnectPrep Advantage
- The only prep program built exclusively for JD-Next — not repurposed LSAT materials
- Private 1:1 coaching that adapts to your pace, your weaknesses, and your law school target list
- Coaching scheduled around the JD-Next course timeline — pre-course, during, or intensive pre-exam
- Law school admissions guidance integrated — how to position your JD-Next score in applications
- Live online for students nationwide — no geographic limits
What Happens Inside the JD-Next Course
JD-Next is not a passive test. It is a structured course that moves quickly — approximately one hour per day for 8 weeks. Here is what each phase covers and where ConnectPrep coaching slots in to maximize your performance.
Should You Take JD-Next, the LSAT, or Both?
This is the most important strategic decision a law school applicant faces right now. The answer depends on your target schools, your strengths, and your timeline. Here is the honest comparison.
| Feature | JD-Next | LSAT |
|---|---|---|
| Format | 8-week course + proctored exam | Single test day, ~3.5 hours |
| Content | Contract law cases, legal reasoning, written analysis | Logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, reading comprehension |
| Score scale | 400–1,000 + percentile report | 120–180 |
| Cost | $399 (includes course + exam) | $215+ per attempt |
| Schools accepted | 30+ ABA schools (standalone); many more as supplement | Nearly all ABA schools |
| T14 acceptance | Limited — WashU accepts as supplement | Required at most T14 schools |
| Retakes | One score reportable per cycle | Up to 3x per year, 7x lifetime |
| Results timing | ~3 weeks after exam | ~3 weeks after exam |
| Who benefits most | Non-traditional applicants, students who struggle with formal logic, applicants targeting JD-Next schools | Applicants targeting T14 or schools requiring LSAT |
ConnectPrep's Strategic Recommendation
Many applicants benefit from taking both. Use the LSAT for schools that require it and the JD-Next as a powerful addendum that demonstrates law school readiness beyond an abstract logic score. For applicants targeting schools that accept JD-Next as a standalone — especially non-traditional applicants or those who struggle with formal LSAT logic — JD-Next alone is a viable and increasingly competitive path. ConnectPrep helps you map your specific school list and choose the right strategy before you invest time and money in either test.
JD-Next 2026–2027 Course Dates
JD-Next runs four times per year. Registration closes within days of each course start date — plan ahead. ConnectPrep coaching can begin before the course starts to give you the strongest possible foundation for weeks one and two.
Registration closes Feb 13
Registration closes Jun 5
Check jdnext.org for exact dates
Registration closes Dec 11
Always verify current dates at aspenpublishing.com before registering. ConnectPrep coaching is available for all four sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything prospective law school applicants ask about JD-Next, the LSAT alternative, and ConnectPrep's coaching program.
What is JD-Next?
Can JD-Next replace the LSAT?
What is the JD-Next score scale and what scores are competitive?
How hard is JD-Next?
When are the 2026 JD-Next course dates?
Should I take JD-Next or the LSAT?
What law schools currently accept JD-Next?
What is the best JD-Next test prep program?
How is ConnectPrep's JD-Next coaching different from self-study?
JD-Next Coaching, Anywhere in the Country
All ConnectPrep JD-Next coaching is delivered live and 1:1 via our virtual platform. Students in New York, Connecticut, California, Texas, Illinois — and every state in between — work with the same expert coaches and the same curriculum.
Build case briefing fluency and contract law foundations before week one. Students who start prepared move faster, brief more accurately, and hit the mid-course exam ready to excel.
Weekly 1:1 sessions aligned to the JD-Next syllabus. We review each case, deepen your doctrinal understanding, coach your written assignments, and prepare you for the mid-course exam checkpoint.
Full-course doctrine review, timed practice in the exam format, secure browser prep, and score-maximizing strategy. Walk into the proctored exam knowing exactly what to expect and how to perform.
Law School Prep & Graduate Test Guides
vs.
LSAT
A complete strategic breakdown — format, schools, costs, score scales, and which test gives you the best shot at your target schools.
Test Prep
Hub
ConnectPrep's full graduate test prep hub — find the right program for every law, business, and medical school path.
Talk to a ConnectPrep advisor. We'll review your target schools, your strengths, and your timeline — then tell you exactly which test gives you the best shot.
Book Free Consultation ›JD-Next is one route into law school, but it is rarely the only decision a candidate is weighing. ConnectPrep supports the full path with LSAT tutoring, law school admissions advising, and the wider suite of graduate and professional test prep.
What JD-Next Students Say About ConnectPrep
As one of the nation’s leading JD-Next prep programs, ConnectPrep has helped students nationwide raise their scores by 120–150+ points and earn admission to law schools across the country.
“Working with Jeremy and Alex through the ConnectPrep JD-Next program was one of the best decisions I made during my law school application process. Alex’s approach was extremely organized and strategic, especially when it came to legal reasoning and issue analysis. He helped me stop overcomplicating questions and focus on identifying the core legal principles being tested. My score improved from a 641 diagnostic to a 798 by the end of the program, and I was later accepted to Quinnipiac Law and New York Law School.”
“Jeremy paired me with Nicole for my JD-Next prep, and she was phenomenal. She explained difficult concepts in a way that finally clicked for me and gave detailed feedback after every assignment. I appreciated how personalized the program felt compared to larger prep companies. I improved by over 140 points and earned admission to Suffolk Law and Pace Law. The confidence I gained from the program carried directly into my applications and interviews.”
“I worked closely with Jeremy and David throughout the program, and the structure they created made a huge difference. David emphasized timing strategy and analytical thinking rather than memorization, which completely changed how I approached the exam. My baseline score was in the low 600s, and I finished the program near the top of the scale. I was accepted to St. John’s Law and Rutgers Law shortly afterward.”
“ConnectPrep’s JD-Next program was incredibly supportive from start to finish. Sarah helped me develop a realistic study plan while balancing work and family responsibilities. She was patient, encouraging, and very detail-oriented during our review sessions. My score improved nearly 150 points during the program, and I ultimately received acceptance offers from Drexel Kline School of Law and Hofstra Law.”
“Jeremy and Michael helped me rebuild my confidence after a disappointing first JD-Next attempt. Michael’s instruction was very practical and focused heavily on recognizing patterns in legal reasoning questions. The weekly practice sets and review sessions kept me accountable and steadily improving. I raised my score from a 658 to near the top of the scale and was accepted into the University of Miami School of Law.”
“One thing I loved about ConnectPrep was how collaborative the instructors were. Jeremy and Rachel regularly checked in on my progress and adjusted the study plan whenever needed. Rachel was especially helpful with contracts and analytical reading sections. I improved by more than 120 points and gained admission to Chicago-Kent College of Law and New England Law Boston.”
“I had tried self-studying before joining ConnectPrep, but I wasn’t improving consistently. Working with Alex changed that completely. He taught me how to approach questions systematically and avoid overthinking every answer choice. The sessions were focused, motivating, and efficient. My score jumped significantly, and I was accepted to Seton Hall Law and Brooklyn Law School.”
“Nicole and Jeremy created a program that felt completely individualized to my strengths and weaknesses. Nicole’s feedback was always thoughtful and specific, and she genuinely cared about helping me succeed. By the end of the program, I had improved over 130 points from my starting score and received acceptances from Loyola Chicago School of Law and Suffolk Law. I would absolutely recommend ConnectPrep to anyone preparing for JD-Next.”
Ready to Ace the JD-Next?
ConnectPrep is the only prep program built specifically for JD-Next. Book a free consultation and we'll map your law school target list, recommend the right test strategy, and show you exactly how our coaching works.
Live online · Students nationwide · (914) 288-5718 · info@connectprep.com
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