Aspen Publishing has announced the acquisition of JD-Next, an innovative law school admissions program developed by the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. This strategic move, revealed on Tuesday, aims to enhance diversity in legal education by providing an alternative to the traditional Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
JD-Next, launched in 2019, offers a unique assessment model that evaluates prospective law students’ aptitude without relying on standardized tests known for perpetuating racial disparities. To date, 56 law schools—over a quarter of all American Bar Association-accredited institutions—have received approval to consider JD-Next scores in their admissions processes.
Under a licensing agreement with the University of Arizona, Aspen has been operating JD-Next since September 2023. The program consists of an eight-week online course culminating in a comprehensive exam. With thousands of participants completing the program over the last five years, nearly 70% identified as belonging to underrepresented racial groups, and 89% reported being the first in their families to pursue a legal education.
In conjunction with this acquisition, the American Bar Association (ABA) has recently established new pathways for law schools to admit students without relying solely on standardized tests like the LSAT or GRE. This initiative aims to provide institutions with greater flexibility in their admissions processes while promoting diversity.
The push for alternative admissions methods comes in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2023 decision prohibiting race-based considerations in college admissions. As law schools seek to maintain diverse student bodies, programs like JD-Next are becoming increasingly vital.
Aspen Publishing plans to expand JD-Next’s reach and impact within the legal education landscape, aiming to partner with more law schools and increase participant enrollment. Currently offered four times a year at a cost of $299, JD-Next is positioned as a promising alternative for aspiring law students seeking equitable opportunities.
As discussions around law school admissions evolve, JD-Next stands out as a progressive solution addressing both diversity and accessibility in legal education.
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