The American Bar Association has recently approved five law schools to use the alternative admissions program JD-Next, bringing the total number of campuses accepting this alternative to 57. This is good news for those who find the LSAT to be a challenge and prefer alternative options like JD-Next or the GRE.
The law schools that have been granted permission to use JD-Next include Fordham University School of Law, the University of Illinois College of Law, DePaul University College of Law, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law, and the University of St. Thomas School of Law. This decision was made by the ABA’s Council of the Section of Legal Education and Admissions to the Bar in late May.
While the LSAT remains the most widely accepted entrance exam for law school, having more options like JD-Next is definitely a plus for prospective law students. If your preferred school does not yet accept an alternative exam, you can choose to take the LSAT or wait until they do. It’s all about having choices.
This trend of more law schools accepting alternative exams is a sign that the LSAT alternative is gaining popularity among institutions. This opens up opportunities for students who may struggle with traditional standardized tests or prefer a different approach to the admissions process.
Chris Williams, a social media manager and assistant editor for Above the Law, shared his insights on this development. With a background in critical race theory, philosophy, and humor, Williams brings a unique perspective to the discussion of alternative admissions programs in law schools. His experience and knowledge add depth to the conversation about the changing landscape of law school admissions.
Overall, the increasing acceptance of JD-Next by law schools offers a more inclusive and flexible approach to the admissions process. Students now have more options to showcase their abilities and potential beyond traditional standardized tests. This shift reflects a broader trend in higher education towards recognizing diverse talents and backgrounds in the admissions process.