How to Apply
Our goal in the TAP application process is to be able to have a comprehensive picture of each applicant's goals and support needs, and how those align with our program structures and supports. We aim to select prospective students who will fully and successfully participate in TAP, achieving their highest desired level of independence and skills in academics, vocational, social engagement, and independent living.
Application and Due Dates:
Applications for Fall 2025 are now closed. The application for Fall 2026 Admission is scheduled to open in August 2025. Applications are considered complete when the form fields are completely filled, all required documents have been uploaded, recommendation packets have been submitted, and the $65 nonrefundable application fee has been paid. If you have any questions, contact us at TAPApplyNow@uc.edu.
When all application materials are received, the applicant’s file is reviewed by members of the Admissions Committee. If the applicant is a possible candidate for TAP, the applicant and family will be invited to campus for an in-person interview. The interview allows the applicant to provide context on application materials, relevant experiences, and their desire to participate in TAP. Parents/guardians will be invited to sit in the interview and provide context, as applicable, to the applicant’s answers and help the Admissions Committee gain a better understanding of the applicant’s support needs.
The TAP Application & Recommendation Packet can be found below.
October 24, 2025 – Early Action: TAP must receive your complete application by 11:59 PM (EST) on October 24, 2025 if you wish to be considered for Early Action. By meeting the early action deadline, you will receive an admission decision by the end of December 2025.
January 23, 2026 – Regular Decision: TAP must receive your complete application by 11:59 PM (EST) on January 23, 2026 if you wish to be considered for the fall 2026 TAP cohort. You will receive an admission decision by the end of March 2026.
Admission Phases
The completed applications will be reviewed as received. Applicants will receive an email within three business days of submitting their application confirming that the application is either complete or incomplete. If the application is incomplete, a list of required documents will be provided.
Note: To pick up where you left off in the application, you must use the original application link on the same device and use the same browser.
Application checklist:
- TAP Application: Fill out the entire application. Make sure you click through all the pages until you reach the confirmation page.
- TAP Information Session: The applicant and all parents/guardians must attend a TAP Information Session and Campus Tour no more than one year before submitting their application. Schedule a campus visit here. Upload the Certificate of Attendance that you receive at the end of the tour.
- Resume: Upload your resume. List your work or volunteer experiences, job training at school, internships, and any clubs or extracurricular activities you have done.
- Video: Upload a 1-3 minute video where you tell us:
- Your name
- Why you want to join TAP at UC
- What you want to learn at the University of Cincinnati
- Your future goals (like getting a job)
- Your favorite social or fun activity
- Anything else you want to share about yourself
- Official Transcript: Send your official transcripts from high school and any college or training programs you have attended.
- Behavior Records: Upload all behavior records from any school you have attended.
- If you don’t have any behavior records, upload a letter from your school stating you don’t have a behavior record.
- Special Education Documents: Upload the signed copies of the most recent IEP, 504 Plan, and/or ETR you have.
- Psychoeducational Evaluation: Upload a report from the last two years that includes:
- Full-scale IQ
- Cognitive ability
- Achievement testing
- Social and emotional testing
- Guardianship Documentation: If someone has legal guardianship or power of attorney over you, upload the official paperwork. If this doesn’t apply to you, skip this step.
- Parent Forms: Readiness Survey and Personal Support Form must be filled out by your parent(s) or guardian(s).
- Recommendations: Ask 2 people (not family members) who have known you for at least one year to complete a recommendation form and letter. Send them the link to the Recommendation Form.
- Application Fee: Pay the $65 non-refundable fee. Pay online here.
The purpose of the Document Review is to identify TAP’s ability to successfully support the applicant’s success in a four-year inclusive postsecondary education program. During this phase, the program staff may contact the applicant, parents, and/or references for additional information or clarification.
When all application materials are received, the applicant’s file is reviewed by members of the Admissions Committee.
- If the applicant is a possible candidate for TAP, the applicant and family will be invited to campus for an in-person interview.
- If the applicant does not meet admission requirements, the applicant will receive written feedback from the Admissions Committee.
The Admissions Committee will conduct in-person interviews with eligible applicants and their parents/guardians. The interview allows the applicant to provide context on application materials, relevant experiences, and their desire to participate in TAP. Parents/guardians will be invited to sit in the interview and provide context, as applicable, to the applicant’s answers and help the Admissions Committee gain a better understanding of the applicant’s support needs.
The Admissions Committee makes decisions about admission to TAP after reviewing all application and interview information. This review focuses on the applicant’s strengths, areas needing further development, motivation, and fit with what TAP can offer, rather than solely on a diagnosis or test score. Once admission decisions are finalized, applicants will be notified by email.
Due to the limited space in the program, some qualified applicants may not be admitted. Applicants who are not accepted to TAP will receive recommendations on how to strengthen future applications.
If admitted, the applicant will submit paperwork and an acceptance fee to confirm enrollment.
Program Requirements
Our goal in the TAP program is to provide every student with the most rewarding and beneficial postsecondary education experience. Therefore, applicants’ skills and interests must align with the program's requirements and support model.
- Applicants must be 18-25 years old at the time of application.
- Have a documented intellectual disability or developmental disabilities.
- Demonstrate a strong interest or desire to pursue postsecondary education.
- Demonstrate motivation to continue growing in academics, vocational exploration, social skills, and independent living.
- Demonstrate a desire for meaningful, inclusive employment after graduation.
- Have completed or will complete high school with a modified/standard diploma, or a certificate of program completion/achievement.
- Be able to commit to a four-year (eight semesters) college certificate program and participate in all TAP programming (classes, internships, meetings, coaching, etc.).
- Be able to manage own self-care (including medication and hygiene).
- Be able to manage unsupervised time and maintain college-level independence.
- Be able and willing to learn and participate in inclusive classroom and work settings.
- Have experience staying overnight without parent supervision (camp, class trip, relatives’ home, etc.).
- Be able to follow the University of Cincinnati Student Code of Conduct.