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 will be accepted beginning September 2, 2024 for fall 2025 admissions. 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.

Tap Application Recommendation Packet Make Payments Here

October 25, 2024 – Early Action: TAP must receive your complete application by 11:59 PM (EST) on October 25, 2024 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 2024.  

February 14, 2025 – Regular Decision: TAP must receive your complete application by 11:59 PM (EST) on February 14, 2025 if you wish to be considered for the fall 2025 TAP cohort. You will receive an admission decision by the end of March 2025.

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.

Downloadable Checklist TAP Application

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:

  • Attend a TAP Open House/Close Up: The applicant and all parents/guardians must attend a TAP Open House/Close Up no more than one year before submitting their application. To schedule a campus visit, go to our webpage.
  • Complete TAP application: Make sure you click through to the final page to ensure your application has been submitted.
  • Upload a 1-3 minute video detailing the following:
    • Your name
    • The reason you would like to participate in TAP at UC
    • What you hope to learn while enrolled at the University of Cincinnati
    • Your goals for the future (employment, etc.)
    • Your favorite social/recreational activity
    • Anything else you would like to include to support your application to TAP
  • A current resume including work/volunteer experience(s), school-based employment training, internships, and any extracurricular activities.
  • An official transcript of the applicant’s high school coursework
  • A signed copy of the applicant’s IEP or 504 Plan, and Evaluation Team Report (ETR).
  • Most current psychological evaluation (completed within past two years); must include full-scale IQ, cognitive ability, achievement and social/emotional testing. 
  • Behavior Record from high school and any postsecondary program attended. If the applicant has no record, a letter is required from the high school or program stating there is no record.
  • $65 non-refundable application fee. Make payment here.
  • (2) Recommendation Packets from non-family members who have known the applicant for at least 1 year.
    • Recommendations should include at least one from a previous high school teacher. Applicants are encouraged to include one from an employer or volunteer supervisor. You can access the Recommendation Packet at the link below.

Parents or guardians, please complete the Readiness Survey and Personal Support Form linked here.

Recommendation Packet

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.

Fees, Grants, and Scholarships

TAP is a Comprehensive Transition Postsecondary Program (CTP), which means eligible students may receive funding from the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Federal Work-Study programs. Other resources on how to pay for college can be found on the Think College website.