Law School Admissions 2026-2027
JD-Next vs LSAT: The Complete 2026-2027 Comparison
The LSAT is accepted by every ABA-accredited law school. JD-Next, an eight week online law course followed by a final exam, is accepted by 68 ABA-accredited law schools that hold an ABA variance. If every school on your list accepts JD-Next, it can replace the LSAT. If even one does not, you still need the LSAT or GRE.
JD-Next vs LSAT at a Glance
| JD-Next | LSAT | |
|---|---|---|
| What it measures | How well you learn law: an 8 week online course in case reading and legal reasoning, then a final exam | Reading comprehension and logical reasoning skills you bring to test day |
| Accepted by | 68 ABA-accredited law schools with an ABA variance | All ABA-accredited law schools |
| Exam format | 100 multiple choice questions (70 scored) in two sections, plus a 45 minute unscored essay. About 4 hours with a 15 minute break | Four 35 minute sections: two Logical Reasoning, one Reading Comprehension, one unscored. Plus LSAT Argumentative Writing, 50 minutes, unscored |
| Preparation built in | Yes, the course is the preparation | No, self study or tutoring |
| Where you test | Online, with a secure browser, webcam and microphone | Online with a live remote proctor, or at a Prometric test center |
| Score scale | 400 to 1000, in 10 point steps, with a percentile | 120 to 180, with a percentile |
| Score release | About three weeks after the exam window | About three weeks after the administration |
| Score validity | Five years | Schools see the current year plus the prior five testing years |
| Registration fee | $399 early, $459 standard, $499 late | $253, plus $219 CAS and $45 per school report |
| Wrong answer penalty | No | No |
What the ABA Allows in 2026
ABA Standard 503 still requires law schools to use a valid and reliable admission test. The LSAT and the GRE (approved by the ABA council in November 2021) satisfy it. A school that wants to admit students with JD-Next must apply to the ABA for a school-specific variance, a requirement the council voted to continue in February 2024.
Separately, the ABA council approved a test-optional variance in November 2024 that lets approved schools admit students without any test. In August 2026 the council extended the application window for that variance by three more years, and ABA Journal reported that 21 of 198 accredited law schools had been granted it. Attempts to remove the test requirement from Standard 503 itself failed in 2018 and 2023, so the rule stands.
See every school, state and approval date in our list of law schools that accept JD-Next.
How Each Test Works
JD-Next
An 8 week online course introduces you to reading cases and reasoning like a law student. The exam follows: Section 1 has 40 questions in up to 75 minutes, Section 2 has 60 questions in up to 110 minutes, and 70 of the 100 questions are scored. A 45 minute essay (15 minutes to prepare, 30 to write) is unscored but sent to law schools.
LSAT
Since August 2024 the LSAT has no Logic Games. It has two scored Logical Reasoning sections, one scored Reading Comprehension section and one unscored section, each 35 minutes, with a 10 minute break. LSAT Argumentative Writing is taken separately online and must be on file before LSAC releases your score.
Scoring and What Counts as Competitive
JD-Next scores run from 400 to 1000. LSAT scores run from 120 to 180. A 160 LSAT beats about 71% of test takers and a 170 beats about 94%, based on LSAC percentiles for the 2023 to 2026 testing years.
| LSAT score | Percent scoring lower |
|---|---|
| 150 | 36.6% |
| 155 | 54.0% |
| 160 | 71.1% |
| 165 | 85.2% |
| 170 | 94.5% |
| 175 | 98.7% |
For JD-Next score targets by school, see what is a good JD-Next score.
Test Fees for 2026-2027
JD-Next registration includes the course, materials, the exam and three score reports: $399 with early registration, $459 standard, and $499 late. The LSAT fee for the August 2026 to June 2027 testing year is $253 and includes LSAT Argumentative Writing. Most applicants also pay $219 for LSAC’s Credential Assembly Service and $45 for each law school report. Score Preview costs $46 if bought before test day. LSAC fee waivers cover several of these costs for eligible applicants.
2026-2027 Dates
JD-Next cohorts
| Course starts | Early registration by | Final deadline | Exam | Scores |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 14, 2026In progress | Aug 15 | Sept 18 | Nov 17 or 21, 2026 | Week of Dec 14 |
| Dec 7, 2026Open | Nov 7 | Dec 11 | Feb 9 or 13, 2027 | Week of Mar 8 |
| Feb 22, 2027 | Jan 23 | Feb 26 | Apr 29 to May 1, 2027 | Week of May 24 |
| May 24, 2027 | Apr 24 | May 28 | Jul 29 to 31, 2027 | Week of Aug 23 |
| Aug 30, 2027 | Jul 31 | Sept 3 | Nov 4 to 6, 2027 | Week of Nov 29 |
LSAT administrations
| Test dates | Registration deadline | Score release |
|---|---|---|
| Sept 9 to 12, 2026 | Jul 28, 2026 | Sept 30, 2026 |
| Oct 7 to 10, 2026 | Aug 27, 2026 | Oct 28, 2026 |
| Nov 11 to 14, 2026 | Oct 1, 2026 (closed) | Dec 2, 2026 |
| Jan 13 to 16, 2027 | Dec 1, 2026 | Feb 3, 2027 |
| Feb 12 to 13, 2027 | Dec 29, 2026 | Mar 3, 2027 |
| Apr 8 to 10, 2027 | Feb 25, 2027 | Apr 28, 2027 |
| Jun 9 to 12, 2027 | Apr 29, 2027 | Jun 30, 2027 |
Which Should You Take?
Choose JD-Next if
Every school on your list holds the JD-Next variance, you learn best through sustained coursework, and timed logic questions have held your LSAT practice scores down.
Choose the LSAT if
Your list includes schools without the variance, you are targeting merit scholarships at schools that weight the LSAT heavily, or your practice scores are already strong.
Consider both if
You want JD-Next as a backup or a second data point. Some schools accept either, and a strong JD-Next score can complement a mid range LSAT.
Try both before you commit, free
No cost, no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is JD-Next easier than the LSAT?
It is different rather than easier. The LSAT measures reading and logical reasoning skills you bring to the test. JD-Next teaches an eight week introductory law course and then tests how well you learned it, so steady effort during the course matters more than test day speed. Students who struggle with timed logic questions often find JD-Next a better fit.
How many law schools accept JD-Next?
68 ABA-accredited law schools hold an ABA variance to accept JD-Next, according to JD-Next’s variance list as of October 2026. The most recent additions, approved August 21, 2026, are St. John’s University and Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Every ABA-accredited law school accepts the LSAT.
Can I apply to law school with only a JD-Next score?
Yes, at schools that hold the JD-Next variance. Some schools use JD-Next alongside the LSAT or GRE, so check each school’s policy. If your list includes schools without the variance, you will still need the LSAT or GRE for those.
Did the ABA drop the LSAT requirement?
No. ABA Standard 503 still requires a valid and reliable admission test. In November 2024 the ABA council created a test-optional variance, and in August 2026 it extended the application window by three years. ABA Journal reported 21 of 198 accredited schools had been granted it. Schools that want to use JD-Next must still apply for a school-specific variance.
How much does JD-Next cost compared to the LSAT?
JD-Next registration is $399 early, $459 standard and $499 late, and includes the eight week course, materials, the exam and three score reports. The LSAT costs $253 for 2026-2027, including LSAT Argumentative Writing. Most LSAT applicants also pay $219 for the Credential Assembly Service and $45 per law school report.
How are JD-Next and LSAT scores reported?
JD-Next is scored from 400 to 1000 in 10 point steps with a percentile from 1 to 99, and scores stay valid for five years. The LSAT is scored from 120 to 180. Law schools see all LSAT results from the current testing year plus the prior five testing years.
How many times can I take the LSAT?
Five times within the current reportable score period (since July 2021) and seven times over a lifetime. The old limit of three tests per testing year no longer applies. Canceled scores count toward the limits.
When is the next JD-Next exam?
The fall 2026 cohort, which started September 14, tests November 17 or 21, 2026. The next course starts December 7, 2026 (early registration by November 7, final deadline December 11), with the exam on February 9 or 13, 2027.
About This Guide
Written by Jeremy Fine, who founded ConnectPrep in 2013 and has more than 20 years in education. Every figure is checked against LSAC, the ABA and JD-Next and dated above. Related: What is JD-Next? · Law schools that accept JD-Next · JD-Next study plan · JD-Next prep · LSAT tutoring · Law school admissions