Admitted JD Students

• Orientation will occur Monday, August 19 - Friday, August 23. Attendance in-person throughout the entire week is mandatory, and students should plan for the following times:    
  • Monday, August 19^th| 8:30am- 4:00pm
  • Tuesday, August 20^th| 9:00am-4:00pm
  • Wednesday, August 21^st| 9:00am-4:30pm
  • Thursday, August 22^nd | 9:00am-4:00pm
  • Friday, August 23^rd | 7:30am- 1:30pm
• A schedule for the week can be found on the New Student Orientation Intranet Page (download the SharePoint app for access on your phone). If you cannot access the site, please email the Law Admissions Office at lawadmissions@uc.edu.
• If you have specific questions regarding Orientation, or need to discuss  accommodations, please contact Assistant Dean for Student Affairs, Community Engagement, and Equity Rudy Trejo (trejorg@ucmail.uc.edu).

Things to do Before August 1

• Complete and submit the Student Services Form
• Complete and submit the Student Photo Release Form
• Email trejorg@ucmail.uc.edu if you need accommodations for Orientation Week
• Request your UC Bearcat ID Card
• Obtain a Parking Pass Student Parking Services.
• If applicable, RSVP your family/friends for the Friday, August 23^rd Session

Things to do Before August 12

• Complete and submit the New Student Contact & Acknowledgment form (the form and instructions are available on the Orientation intranet page).
• Contact the Accessibility Resources Office if you need accommodations for a physical, mental, or learning disability.
• Purchase your Contracts textbook

Textbooks for Fall Courses
You can view textbook information for any class using the textbook icons on your schedule in Catalyst. 

Enrollment Deposits

• Admitted students must pay a non-refundable $500 Enrollment Deposit, which is split into two $250 installments ("First Enrollment Deposit", "Second Enrollment Deposit"). The Enrollment Deposit(s) reserves your place in the entering class and will later be applied as partial payment of your fall semester tuition. Deposit deadlines can be found in your acceptance packet and status portal. You can pay your seat deposits online through the links provided in your Applicant Online Status portal. 

Pay $250 First Enrollment Deposit
Pay $250 Second Enrollment Deposit

Confirmation Form
In addition to the Enrollment Deposit(s), the online Confirmation Form ("Confirmation Form - Respond to Offer") must be completed in order to confirm your enrollment for the Fall term. This form is also used by the university to determine your initial status for state residency and student financial aid. You will receive instructions via email for accessing the confirmation form prior to your deposit deadline. 

Final Transcript
The transcript submitted to LSAC with your application does not satisfy this requirement. 
One official, final, paper or e-transcript from the institution that awarded your bachelor’s degree must also be sent directly to the College of Law. 

All transcripts must arrive before July 15. We must receive confirmation that your bachelor’s degree was conferred before you begin classes. If your bachelor’s degree will not be completed until the summer term immediately preceding the start of law school, you should contact the Office of Admissions as soon as possible to discuss documentation of your anticipated graduation.

The transcript must show your final grades and the date your bachelor’s degree was conferred. Original transcripts must be either:

• Emailed to admissions@law.uc.edu dicrectly by your institution or through a designated clearinghouse, or 
• Mailed directly via USPS from the institution’s registrar to the address below in a sealed envelope with the seal intact. 

  University of CincinnatI
College of Law Office of Admissions
P.O. Box 210040
Cincinnati, OH  45221-0040

• 3+3 Student — In lieu of the final, official University of Cincinnati transcript, a signed 3+3 certificate from your college must be on file with the College of Law Admissions Office by July 15.

Keep Your Contact Information Updated
It is important to notify the Office of Admissions & Financial Aid of any changes to your primary email, phone number, and mailing address.

Questions? Contact the College of Law Office of Admissions at admissions@law.uc.edu or (513) 556-0078.

Assistant Director of Admissions & Financial Aid Diana Irving will host a weekly virtual hangout on Thursdays (12:00PM EST - 1:00PM EST) to answer any financial aid related questions that you may have. The available dates are:

• July 11
• July 18
• July 25
• August 1
• August 8

1. July 1st- FAFSA and aid-related Tasks in Catalyst should be submitted by this date to ensure completion of the full process in time for Fall bill payment due date. Students may continue to apply and complete tasks after this date; however, aid may not be processed by the time fall payment is due. 
2. Mid- July- Fall bills will be generated for all registered students.  
3. August 1st- Enroll in direct deposit. To set up direct deposit as a student, go to Catalyst and click the "My Finances" tile. On the left side click "Billing Information" and then "Direct Deposit Enrollment" from the drop-down menu. 
4. August 16- Fall Semester Financial Aid Disbursements Begins 
5. August 19- New Student Orientation Begins 
6. August 19- Fall Semester Direct Deposit Begins 
7. August 21- Fall Semester Bill Due  
8. August 26- Fall Semester Classes Begin 
9. September 9-End of Add/Drop Time

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I Check My Financial Aid?

Each academic year, follow the steps below to accept your aid:

• Log into Catalyst
• Select the My Finances tile.
• Under Financial Aid Information, click Accept/Decline Financial Aid
• Select the appropriate aid year.
• Select the awards that you wish to accept.
• For the Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, you must enter the dollar
• amount you wish to borrow in the accepted column. Federal Direct Parent PLUS and
• Grad PLUS Loans cannot be accepted in Catalyst.
• Grad PLUS Loans require an approved application and complete Master Promissory Note at Studentaid.gov from the parent borrower or graduate student borrower.

What Happens If There is Still a Balance?

Students with a past due balance are subject to late payment fees and limitations of service that can prevent future registration. Also, federal aid regulations limit aid from one academic year being used to pay off an amount owed from a previous academic year. Students should monitor their online bill and ensure their payments are up-to-date to avoid registration and aid problems in the future.

When Am I Getting My Refund?

Students with credit balances (CR will appear after the amount on the Amount Due line) for any terms will have a refund issued by the Student Accounts Office. Students will be mailed a check or can sign up for direct deposit. Federal Parent PLUS Loan overpayments will be sent to parents.

General refund policies are noted below:

• The refund process for a term will not begin until 10 days prior to the start of that term.
• Your online bill will display when your specific refund is processing with the anticipated date of the refund noted as well.
• Refunds may also be delayed due to academic action (e.g. withdrawing or adding classes) during the first 2 weeks of the term.
• Refunds based on a credit balance due to financial aid will be processed as oeverages occur. 
• Refunds on accounts that include a student payment may have a portion equal to the student payment held for 21 days prior to release.

How Can I Review Eligibility and Increase My Loans?

Loan awards are made using the best information on file at the time of awarding to project your appropriate class level and loan amount.

Once you have accepted any portion of your loan, your financial aid award offered amount will then reflect your accepted amount. Students who decline a portion of their loan may later ask to have their loan increased/reinstated if they remain eligible for the loan. Consult Enrollment Services (enrollmentservices@uc.edu; 513-556-1000; campus locations) to have eligibility evaluated.

Loan increases, when a student is deemed eligible, will appear as part of the award package within 5 business days. Please do not make multiple requests within a week's timeframe.

How Much Money Can I Borrow During Law School?

The yearly maximum $20,500 in borrowing will be made available to students in unsubsidized (interest-bearing while in school) loans based on eligibility. The maximum lifetime borrowing limit is $138,500. 

Do I Have to Reapply for Financial Aid Every Year?

Yes. Because eligibility for federal student aid does not carry over from one award year to the next, you need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for each award year in which you are or plan to be a student. The next FAFSA date opens in December of 2023 for the 24-25 School Year. UC FAFSA code is 003125.

How Much Interest Do My Loans Accrue? 

Loans begin accruing interest as soon as they are disbursed to your account. The interest rates are available on the StudentLoans.gov. It is important that you understand how interest is calculated and the fees associated with your loan. Both factors will impact the amount you will be required to repay.  

What is Verification?

If your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is selected for verification, the Department of Education requires the University of Cincinnati to check the accuracy of the FAFSA information you provided. Verification must be completed before financial aid can be disbursed. You will be notified via your UC email of any required documentation. Instructions for your Financial Aid Portal will be listed on the To Do List in your Catalyst account. 

How Do I Learn About Veterans Benefits?

It's important that any student wishing to take advantage of Veterans Educational Benefits contact the Veterans Program and Services (VPS) Office. 

UC Veterans Programs and Services Office 
Voice: (513) 556-6811 
Fax:     (513) 556-0959 
E-mail:   vetcert@uc.edu 
In-Person: 230 University Pavilion (2nd floor)
(Monday - Friday, 8:30am - 4:30pm)

When Will I Get A Refund for my Seat Deposit?

All seat deposits are credited in the fall as a partial payment on your fall semester tuition. 

Are There Any Loan Forgiveness Programs For Law Graduates?

Yes, some federal and state programs offer loan forgiveness or repayment assistance for law graduates who work in certain public service or nonprofit jobs. The most well-known program is the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Research and understand the specific requirements and conditions of these programs. 

Ohio Innocence Project | Urban Morgan Institute | Corporate Law Center | Center for Race, Gender, & Social Justice 

In addition to scholarships, our various Centers & Institutes offer fellowships to first year students as well as returning students. These fellowships offer in-depth, real-world experience to students interested in a range of specialized legal topics and career opportunities. Several include additional monetary stipends.

The Office of Law Admissions will be hosting an information session on Friday, February 2, 2024 at 12:00PM EST. To join, please register here. 

Please Note:

• Deadline to apply: February 16, 2024. Applications received after this date will be waitlisted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Students may apply and interview for multiple fellowships, but may only accept one. 

Learn more about fellowship opportunities and how to apply, by clicking here.

• Accessibility Resources
• Catalyst and Canvas
• Digital Technology Solutions
• Dining Options
• Enrollment Services
• International Services
• Parking
• Tuition, Financial Aid, & Residency
• Laptop Requirements
  • Windows (recommended)
    • Processor: 8th generation Intel i5 or AMD Ryzen 3 with 2.0Ghz clock speed and quad-core    
    • Memory (RAM): 8GB (minimum), 16GB (recommended)
    • Hard Drive: 256GB (minimum), 512GB (recommended)
    • Built-in or External Webcam with Microphone and Speakers (These will be needed to participate in synchronous online classes.) 
  • Mac
    • Processor: 8th generation Intel i5 with 2.0Ghz clock speed and quad-core (recommended)
    • Memory (RAM): 8GB (minimum), 16GB
    • Hard Drive: 256GB (minimum), 512GB
    • We recommend MacBook Pro over MacBook Air
    • Built-in or External Webcam with Microphone and Speakers (These will be needed to participate in synchronous online classes.) 
  • While recent Windows Surface Pro tablets are supported, tablets running iOS (iPads), Android, or Windows RT are not supported for exams and are not appropriate laptop computers. Additionally, computers running Windows 10 S, Chrome OS, and Linux are not supported and will not work with the exam software.