LSAT Alternatives

Explore alternatives to the LSAT, including JD-Next™, and the GRE.

Today, the legal education landscape is shifting toward alternatives that better prepare students for the demands of modern legal practice. Among these, JD-Next emerges as an innovative option for admissions testing, designed to equip future lawyers with practical skills as they prepare for law school.

1. Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a general standardized test widely used for graduate school admissions across various disciplines, including law. Due to its broad focus and accessibility, it has gained popularity as an LSAT alternative.

Structure

The GRE consists of 3 main sections:

• Verbal Reasoning: Measures reading comprehension and critical reasoning through sentence completion and passage-based questions.

• Quantitative Reasoning: Tests mathematical reasoning, including arithmetic, algebra, and data analysis.

• Analytical Writing: Requires 2 essays — one analyzing an issue and the other evaluating an argument.

Content

Unlike the LSAT, which focuses on logical reasoning and analytical skills, the GRE evaluates a wider range of abilities. This makes it ideal for students applying to multiple types of graduate programs..

Who Accepts It

Over 80 law schools, including prestigious institutions like Harvard Law School, Georgetown University Law Center, and Columbia Law School, accept the GRE as an alternative to the LSAT.

Pros

• Flexibility: Suitable for applicants considering both law school and other graduate degrees.

• Broad Accessibility: Offered year-round with widespread availability of preparation resources.

JD-Next

JD-Next is an innovative program developed by the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law. Designed to bridge the gap between admission and law school success that provides a comprehensive skills-building approach that goes beyond traditional standardized tests.

Structure

JD-Next consists of an 8-week online course followed by a final test.

• Weekly Modules: Cover essential skills like legal writing, case analysis, critical thinking, and argument construction.

• Interactive Assignments: Include practice exercises that mirror real-world law school challenges, such as drafting legal briefs and analyzing hypothetical cases.

• Final Exam: Tests the skills developed throughout the course, providing law schools with a predictive measure of student performance.

Content

JD-Next focuses on the practical skills essential for excelling in law school. It teaches students how to read and interpret case law, construct logical arguments, and approach problems from a legal perspective. Unlike traditional standardized tests, it immerses students in the realities of legal education, making the transition to law school smoother.

Who Accepts JD-Next

Over 25% of all U.S. law schools have received approval from the American Bar Association (ABA) to accept JD-Next test results in lieu of the LSAT or GRE, and this number is quickly growing.

Pros 

• Tailored Preparation for Law School: The program equips students with critical legal skills like case analysis, legal writing, and argument construction, giving them a head start in law school.

• Equity and Inclusion: Research shows that JD-Next reduces achievement gaps, promoting diversity and inclusivity in legal education by addressing systemic barriers in traditional admissions.

• Predictive Power: The final test provides a reliable measure of law school readiness, helping admissions committees better understand applicants’ potential.

• Accessible and Flexible: The program's online, asynchronous format ensures it is widely available, removing geographical and logistical barriers for many applicants.

Test-Optional Policies

Test-optional policies have some momentum in law school admissions, allowing applicants to bypass standardized tests altogether. These policies focus on reviewing candidates’ academic and personal backgrounds, emphasizing qualities that standardized tests may overlook.

Structure 

Test-optional admissions shift the emphasis away from standardized scores and instead evaluate candidates based on a range of qualitative and quantitative factors:

• Academic Performance: Undergraduate GPA and course rigor play a central role.

• Personal Statements: Essays allow applicants to showcase their motivations, experiences, and readiness for law school.

• Letters of Recommendation: These provide insight into the applicant’s abilities and character from trusted sources.

• Work and Life Experience: Relevant professional or volunteer experiences are given weight in the decision-making process.

Content 

Under test-optional policies, applicants are encouraged to highlight their unique strengths and life experiences. These policies particularly benefit:

• Students who may not excel in standardized tests but have strong academic records or compelling personal stories.

• Individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, providing a pathway to demonstrate readiness without the financial and logistical barriers of standardized testing.

Pros

• Reducing Barriers: Eliminates the cost, time, and stress associated with standardized test preparation.

• Broadening Access: Encourages applications from individuals with non-traditional backgrounds or unique career trajectories.

• Fostering Diversity: Allows schools to build classes that reflect a wider range of experiences and perspectives.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is traditionally associated with business school admissions but has gained traction as an alternative for students pursuing dual-degree programs like the Juris Doctor/Master of Business Administration (JD/MBA). While less common than other options, it offers unique advantages for business-oriented law school applicants.

Structure of the GMAT

The GMAT is designed to evaluate skills relevant to graduate-level business and law studies. It consists of four sections:

• Analytical Writing Assessment: A 30-minute essay that measures critical thinking and the ability to articulate and support complex ideas.

• Integrated Reasoning: Assesses the ability to analyze data presented in multiple formats, such as graphs and tables.

• Quantitative Reasoning: Tests problem-solving skills and mathematical reasoning, including arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

• Verbal Reasoning: Focuses on reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.

Content of the GMAT

The GMAT emphasizes quantitative and analytical skills, making it useful for students interested in corporate law or careers at the intersection of law and business. Its focus on data analysis and critical reasoning complements the skill set needed for business-oriented legal practice.

Pros

For the right candidate, the GMAT offers several advantages:

• Dual-Degree Compatibility: Tailored for students pursuing JD/MBA programs, combining business acumen with legal expertise.

• Quantitative Focus: Appeals to applicants with strong math and analytical skills, especially those targeting corporate or financial law.

• Broad Career Applications: GMAT skills translate well to both business and legal environments, making it a versatile choice for interdisciplinary professionals.

What’s the Best Option?

JD-Next is a standout option because it bridges the gap between admission and success in law school.