JD-Next explained: the 8-week course, the exam, cost and which schools accept it
Last checked October 19, 2026 · Sources: JD-Next’s pre-law advisor page (dates, prices, what’s included) and school FAQs; ABA variance notices; school counts as reported by a university pre-law office and a prep provider. JD-Next is run by Aspen Publishing, a UWorld company; we also cover UWorld products elsewhere on this site.
JD-Next is an eight-week online law course that ends in an admissions exam, run by Aspen Publishing. Law schools with an ABA variance can accept it instead of the LSAT or GRE; more than 60 hold one, and the ABA is still granting more. It costs $399 with early registration, $459 standard or $499 late, including the course, the exam and three score reports. The next course starts December 7, 2026; register by November 6 to be sure of the early price (JD-Next’s page says November 7, Aspen’s store says November 6).
JD-Next course dates
| Course start | Early registration by | Final deadline | Exam | Scores released |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 14, 2026 | August 15 (passed) | September 18 (passed) | November 17 or 21, 2026 | Week of December 14, 2026 |
| December 7, 2026 | November 7, 2026 | December 11, 2026 | February 9 or 13, 2027 | Week of March 8, 2027 |
From JD-Next’s pre-law advisor page, checked October 19, 2026.
JD-Next runs four sessions a year; in 2026 they started February 9, June 1, September 14 and December 7. Check each school’s application deadlines so your score arrives in time. See our course, exam and cost page.
Which law schools accept JD-Next?
ABA Standard 503 requires a valid and reliable admission test, so a school needs an ABA variance to admit applicants with only this exam’s score. A university pre-law office counted about 63 variances in February 2025, and the ABA’s public notices show more granted since, including Baltimore, Gonzaga and Oregon in 2026; a prep provider counted 68 in August 2026. The program’s own school FAQ adds that schools without a variance may use ABA Interpretation 503-3 to admit applicants with only this score, and any school can receive it alongside an LSAT. Most law schools still require the LSAT or GRE, so check each school. See which schools accept it.
How JD-Next works
Confirm your target schools accept JD-Next and how they weigh it.
Register before the early deadline for $399; fee waivers are available for eligible applicants.
Eight weeks of video classes, readings and assignments modeled on a 1L contracts course.
Sit the proctored online exam on one of two dates, then get a 400 to 1,000 score and percentile about four weeks later.
Your registration includes three score reports to law schools.
Everything on JD-Next
Price, session dates and what's included.
→Every session, deadline, exam and score date.
→Acceptance, cost, format and which to take.
→130+ schools and year-round testing against a course-based exam.
→When it makes sense, and when it doesn't.
→JD-Next, LSAT, both, or the GRE.
→ABA variances and how to check a school.
→Register through Aspen; refunds and deadlines.
→An 8-week plan for the course and exam.
→4-hour online test and tech setup.
→400-1,000 scale and release dates.
→Sample questions, webinars and fee help.
→JD-Next, Aspen and ABA pages.
→Reddit, Quora and outdated claims.
→Tips for doing well
- Treat it like a real class: the course is modeled on 1L contracts, and the exam tests what it teaches.
- Keep a weekly rhythm: eight weeks goes quickly alongside work or school.
- Register early: it saves $60 against standard and $100 against late registration.
- Know your target score: a prep provider reports that half of enrolling JD-Next students scored 750 to 820.
Where applicants talk about JD-Next
Applicants discuss JD-Next on Reddit’s law school forums and on Quora. Acceptance changes as new schools get variances, so check each school directly. Our JD-Next community guide covers what to watch for, and our LSAT guide covers the traditional route.
Common questions about JD-Next
Can JD-Next replace the LSAT?
At schools with an ABA variance, and at some others under ABA Interpretation 503-3, yes. Most law schools still require the LSAT or GRE, so check each school’s policy.
How much does JD-Next cost?
$399 with early registration, $459 standard or $499 late, including the course, materials, the exam and three score reports.
When is the next JD-Next course?
December 7, 2026, with the exam on February 9 or 13, 2027. Register by November 6 to be sure of the $399 early price: JD-Next’s page says November 7, but Aspen’s store says November 6.
How is JD-Next scored?
A scaled score from 400 to 1,000 with a percentile, released about four weeks after the exam.
We first checked these sources on October 12, 2026 and rechecked them on October 19, 2026. MockTestPrep is independent and is not affiliated with JD-Next, Aspen Publishing or the ABA.