Aspen Publishing Acquires Full Ownership of JD-Next Law School Preparation Program

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Nov 19, 2024, 10:01 ET

Following a successful first year, Aspen shares student feedback and plans for expansion

BURLINGTON, Mass., Nov. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aspen Publishing has announced the acquisition of JD-Next, the groundbreaking law school preparation course and admissions test, one year after it first secured an exclusive license to administer the program. JD-Next serves as an alternative admissions exam and was developed in 2019 by a team of University of Arizona researchers, including Marc Miller, Dean of the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law, then Associate Dean Christopher Robertson, Director of Academic and Bar Success Jessica Findley, and Professor Rob Williams, former Director of the Indigenous Peoples Law and Policy Program.

JD-Next was created with multi-year funding from the AccessLex Foundation and the ETS Foundation. It has gained notable traction among law schools, admissions officers and prospective students, as it offers a test that significantly reduces or eliminates the racial disparities recognized in legacy exams. To date, 56 ABA-accredited law schools have received variances from the American Bar Association to accept JD-Next scores in lieu of other standardized tests for admissions. Additionally, any law school can accept JD-Next scores alongside other admissions test scores. The next ABA Council deadline for additional law schools to request a variance to use JD-Next as an independent basis for JD admission is December 20, 2024.

"Aspen Publishing is a leader in legal education and has taken the evidence-based course and test and broadened the reach and influence of JD-Next over the last year," said Marc L. Miller, Dean of University of Arizona Law. "This acquisition is a natural and exciting progression, as JD-Next becomes one of the cornerstones of access to and success in JD education. I have seen firsthand how much Aspen believes in expanding evidence-based access to the legal profession and how deeply committed Aspen is to the success of the program and future law students."

In its first year administered by Aspen, the JD-Next admissions program has attracted a diverse and motivated cohort of students. The program's growing popularity is reflected in rising class sizes and overwhelmingly positive feedback from participants. In a recent survey, 91% of students reported feeling better prepared for law school after completing the course.

JD-Next's unique approach combines an asynchronous preparatory course that mirrors the challenges of a first-year law program with a high-stakes admissions exam specifically designed to test the skills and knowledge that students need to be successful in law school. Research shows that students who participated in the program will produce, on average, .20 higher on their law school GPA.

Feedback indicates high satisfaction rates and impressive outcomes among students of all backgrounds. Nearly 70% of participants identified as belonging to underrepresented racial groups, and an overwhelming 89% would be the first in their families to attend law school—a clear sign that JD-Next is meeting the goal of significantly expanding access to legal education.

"We are proud of how quickly JD-Next has become an essential resource for students preparing for law school, and this acquisition allows us to build on that momentum," said Nicole Pinard, CEO of Aspen Publishing. "Given the ABA's recent examination of optional testing, the demand for affordable, accessible and effective preparation that levels the playing field for all aspiring law students is clear. We're excited to further expand and refine the JD-Next program in the years to come.

Looking ahead, JD-Next remains committed to providing equitable and reliable pathways for future lawyers and preparing them for the rigors of law school. The acquisition will bring increased investment in the team, advanced technology, and the expansion of the program to more law schools and students nationwide.

For more information on JD-Next or to enroll in upcoming courses, visit www.aspenpublishing.com/jdnext.

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About JD-Next:
JD-Next is an innovative law school admissions course and examination designed through extensive research by law schools, for law schools. JD-Next offers a self-paced, eight-week program aimed at providing prospective law students the opportunity to develop skills needed for a first-year Contracts course. The program concludes with an examination, designed to assess practical skills rather than prior knowledge. Presently, 25% of law schools nationwide have obtained approval from the American Bar Association (ABA) to integrate JD-Next into their admissions criteria. Find out more or enroll today at aspenpublishing.com/pages/jdnext.

About Aspen Publishing:
Aspen Publishing, a subsidiary of UWorld LLC, is the trusted leader in educational content and digital learning solutions to law schools in the U.S. and around the world. Aspen provides best-in-class solutions for legal education through authoritative textbooks written by renowned authors and breakthrough products such as Connected eBooks, Connected Quizzing, and PracticePerfect.

The Aspen Casebook Series (famously known among law faculty and students as the "red and black" casebooks) encompasses almost 400 highly regarded textbooks in more than eighty disciplines while study aids such as the Examples & Explanations and Glannon Guide series, both highly popular collections, help law students master complex subject matter. For more information, visit AspenPublishing.com.

About UWorld:
UWorld is a global leader in academic and professional education. Since its inception in 2003, the company has helped millions of undergraduate, graduate, and professional students prepare for high-stakes accounting, finance, graduate school, high school, legal, medical, nursing, and pharmacy exams including the CPA®, CMA®, CIA, CFA®, CMT®, MCAT®, SAT®, ACT®, AP®, MBE®, LLM, MPRE®, USMLE®, UKMLA®, COMLEX®, ABIM®, ABFM®, PANCE®/PANRE®, NCLEX®, FNP, NAPLEX®, MPJE®, and CPJE. UWorld's high-quality test questions and unrivaled answer explanations in digital and print formats make difficult subjects easy to understand for students. The company is committed to offering educators the most up-to-date resources that seamlessly integrate into existing curricula, actively engage students, provide real-time performance feedback, and exceed requirements for exam governing bodies. To learn more, visit UWorld.com.

SOURCE Aspen Publishing