January

• Complete the SMU Admission Application.

• All SMU merit Scholarships are determined by Admissions or an academic department.

• Students are automatically considered for scholarships for which they might be eligible; no separate application is required unless specifically noted.

• File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the federal processor.
  List SMU as a school on the FAFSA. SMU's school code is 003613.
  The FAFSA on the Web Worksheet (PDF) is available at your high school or local colleges and universities.
  The FAFSA on the Web Worksheet in Spanish (PDF)

• File the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE^® from the College Scholarship Service of the College Board. 
  SMU uses the information collected on the PROFILE to award institutional need-based funds. 
  The CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE^® must be completed online.  List SMU as a school on the application, and include SMU's code 6660.
  Here is a link to the CSS/PROFILE Student Guide 

February

• Priority Deadline for First Year Students to submit both the FAFSA and CSS/PROFILE is February 15^th.

• Students who miss the deadline will be awarded when their Financial Aid file is completed.

Once Admitted

March

• Financial Aid will begin processing your file for scholarships and need based aid
  after SMU has received both the FAFSA and CSS/PROFILE.

• Watch your mail for letters from SMU Information Technology containing SMU ID, email account, and password.

• Set up your email account at this time. This will be our primary source of contact with you.

• Watch for emails from the SMU Financial Aid Office and respond promptly so your aid will not be delayed.  

• Check your Financial Aid status via Pony Tracks. Pony Tracks is located under Finances in your Student Center on Access.SMU.

April

• Financial Aid Packages for First Year Students will be available to view online via Access.SMU 

• Begin checking SMU email account weekly

• Accept aid on Access.SMU

• Begin loan processing for Federal Direct Loans, Parent Plus and Private Loans

• Sign up for the Tuition Payment Plan at www.tuitionpay.com  Estimates can be adjusted when final tuition and housing costs are available after your student registers for Fall Semester. 
  Payment Plan begins in June for Fall and October for Spring.

• Priority Deadline for Incoming Transfer and Returning Students to file FAFSA and CSS/PROFILE is also April 15^th.

May 

• Deposit Deadline is May 1^st for First Year Students only
   

• Register for your July AARO session

June

• Register for your July AARO session

• Begin finalizing Payment Arrangements

• Check your SMU email account weekly
   

• Incoming Transfer and Returning Students will begin receiving their email award notifications after June 1^st.

July

• Attend AARO session and register for classes
  Bill will be emailed to student’s SMU email address & Set Parent up as "Other Payer"

• Finalize any Financial Aid items not yet completed

• Finalize payment arrangements

• Begin looking for On Campus Employment

August

• Personal Payments due 1st week of August

• Classes begin August 22nd