Original PromptSlide 1 — Title
How We Got to 85% FAFSA/CAFSA Completion at Lotus
Lotus School for Excellence
Ermek Bakyt, Principal
👉 Say:
“I’m not going to share a perfect model—just what actually worked for us.”
Slide 2 — What We Were Seeing
Make it real:
Students didn’t know where to start
Families were hesitant to share financial info
Even strong students were delaying or avoiding FAFSA
👉 Say:
“It wasn’t that students didn’t care—they just didn’t know how to move forward.”
Slide 3 — Our Reality...
This document discusses the strategies implemented at Lotus to achieve an 85% completion rate for FAFSA/CAFSA applications among students. It highlights the barriers families face in the financial aid process, including confusion, hesitation regarding financial information, and procrastination among students. The document emphasizes the importance of individualized tracking and support, moving from a one-time event approach to integrating FAFSA requirements into the senior curriculum for sustained success. Key strategies include real-time monitoring of student progress, consistent follow-through on support, and collaboration with financial aid experts to foster clarity and reduce resistance among families. Ultimately, the aim is to ensure every student is ready for their future.