How to Apply
TAP envisions a world where young adults with ID/DD are afforded the option of post-secondary education. We are emerging as a leader in creating an authentic inclusive living-learning experience that builds career skills, academic achievement, personal responsibility, social networks, and a promising future.
Application and Due Dates:
Applications will be accepted beginning September 1 for academic fall semester admissions. Applications and Recommendations should be submitted along with the nonrefundable $50 application fee.
The TAP Application & Recommendation Packet can be found below.
The 2023-2024 TAP Application is now closed. To apply for the 2024-2024 school year, please check back in August 2023 for a link to the application. If you have any questions, please contact us at TAPApplyNow@uc.edu.
- November 1st – Early Action: We must receive your complete application (by that we mean your admission application and recommendation packet) by 11:59 PM (EST) on November 1 if you wish to be considered for Early Action. By meeting the early action deadline, you will get an admission decision no later than the end of January.
- February 15th – Regular Decision: February 15th by 11:59 PM (EST) is the final date by which we must receive your complete application. You’ll get an admission decision by the end of March. Applications received after February 15th until April 1st will be reviewed based upon availability of space in the program.
Admission Phases
The completed applications will be reviewed as received.
Note: Any applicant should be able to return to where they left off, by clicking the original link they used from the same device and using the same browser.
Application checklist:
- Complete TAP application containing signature of the student and/or guardian as appropriate.
Personal Essay
- An official transcript of the applicant’s high school coursework
- An official copy of the applicant’s IEP or 504 Plan, and Evaluation Team Report (ETR). If statewide testing accommodations are not included in the IEP, a separate document is required. Must include discipline records if applies.
- Most current psychological evaluation within past two years; must include IQ scores
- $50 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 an educator and students are encouraged to include one from an employer or volunteer supervisor.
The purpose of the Document Review is to identify the applicant's potential for success as a University of Cincinnati college student. During this phase, the program director may contact the applicant, parents, and/or references for additional information or clarification. If it is determined that the applicant has met the threshold for admissions, the application documentation will be forwarded on to the Admissions Committee.
The Admissions Committee will conduct individual interviews with applicants and their families.
The determination of the admission decision is made in writing to the applicant. If the determination is that the applicant does not meet the admission requirements, the applicant will receive recommendations for growth.
If selected for admissions, the applicant will submit paperwork and fee to confirm enrollment for the fall semester along with the deposit for the required TAP Summer New Student and Family Orientation Workshop.
Program Requirements
- Cognitive assessment with documented intellectual or developmental disability
- High school diploma- age 18 or older
- Basic academic skills
- Ability to learn and participate in inclusive classrooms and work settings
- Demonstrate interest and ability to pursue educational, employment, and life experiences through post-secondary education
Fees, Grants, and Scholarships
- TAP Program Fees are approximately $16,000/year. There are additional fees for housing, meals, and UC courses.
- There are many financial resources to support students and families planning to pay for college such as 529 Funds, Able Accounts, grants, and scholarships. For more information about Grants, Scholarships and Financial Aid Resources, please view this page.
- 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.