1. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
   The first step to apply for financial aid is to submit the FAFSA for the appropriate year. For this year only (2024-2025), due to changes implemented by the Department of Education, the FAFSA won't be available until January.  This should be submitted as soon as possible in order to allow time for any corrections or paperwork to be submitted. This application is required if you wish to be considered for federal, state, or institutional aid. Additionally, many scholarship applications are now requiring federal financial need data in order to apply. 
   
   Please note the following information when submitting your FAFSA:
• The UT Southwestern Medical Center federal school code is 010019.
• If you have never submitted a FAFSA, an FSA ID will be required to complete and electronically sign the application.
• Our institution does not require parent information in order to submit the FAFSA.
• The FAFSA now requires the prior-prior year's tax documentation; i.e., if you are completing the 2024-2025 FAFSA you will need 2022 tax information.
2. Check Your To-Do List
   Once you have submitted the FAFSA, your FAFSA Summary will indicate if additional supporting documents may be required. These documents will vary for each student. An email will be sent to your UT Southwestern email account, prompting you to log in to the Student Self Service portal to view your To-Do list. Read the details of each item for action you may need to take.
3. Receive Award Notification
   If your financial aid file is complete, you will receive an award notification via your UT Southwestern email account. The notice will include a link to the Student Self Service portal, where you can view and accept your financial aid award eligibility.
4. Accept the Aid you Wish to Receive
   Typically, grants and scholarships are automatically accepted on your behalf and there is no action required by you. However, if you choose to accept a student loan you will have the option to lower the amount you accept - you are not required to accept the entire amount offered to you.
5. Check Your UTSW Email and To-Do List for Additional Outstanding Items 
   After you accept your award, there may be additional items that you will need to complete such as the required federal Entrance Counseling and/or a Master Promissory Note. Once the pending item has been successfully completed, your To-Do list action item will be resolved within a few business days.

Using the Self-Service Portal