2026 Essay Reader Training

Essay Reader Training

Fall 2026 seniorprogram@crosbyscholars.org

Crosby Scholars Program | Recruitment Video

Essay Readers! Know a Forsyth County public school student in grades 6-10?

Invite them to Join the Crosby Scholars Program! www.crosbyscholars.org

Why Do Essays Matter Anyway?

Mary Allen Conforti | Assistant Director, Junior/Senior Program

Simple Procedure Student sends essay to Crosby Scholars.

Crosby Scholars sends the essay to an essay reader via email with a copy of the prompt and the deadline for a response (3 days from receipt).

The student’s name will be removed.

Essay reader completes the Reader Google Form with comments and review (3 days from receipt of essay).

Crosby Scholars sends Google Form response to the student.

Student Submission

Reader Submission Readers submit feedback via a Google Form. The form uses simple, guided questions to help you review the students’ essay. Using this form provides consistency among our reader comments and review program.

Readers will submit the Reader Feedback Form for each essay they receive. Readers will not need to use track changes or write directly on the students essays. Instead they will provide the feedback and comments directly in the google form.

The essay number and review form will be supplied in the email sent via seniorprogram@crosbyscholars.org.

Guided Questions

Open Responses

Our Tips for a Strong Review be positive with any comments provided review for content, NOT detailed grammar The goal is to support the student in telling their story. There is a question on the review form where you can recommend the student see their English teacher for grammar help.

provide concise and specific feedback that the Senior will understand make your edits consistent with JR/SR essay guidance ask the following questions while reviewing: Does the student answer the prompt in a clear and concise manner?

Is the essay too short? Too long? (word count matters) Does the essay engage the reader?

Are there parts of the essay that are unclear?

What does the essay reveal about their personality? Character? Interests?

Does the essay share something new about the student that perhaps would not come across on his/her transcript and Activities List?

Have Concerns?

Please be aware that Crosby staff do not read the essay before you receive it. For this reason, please let us know if you come across an essay or content that is concerning.

Does the essay need a LOT of work?

Notify Crosby staff that the student could benefit from our staff’s one-onone Essay Coaching. We will connect directly with the student.

You can still complete the review with some helpful suggestions.

Are you concerned for the student’s wellbeing?

Occasionally, a student will share very sensitive information (such as abuse, neglect, self-harm, violence, etc.). Notify Crosby staff immediately.

In this case, you do not need to complete the review.

THANK YOU! Need assistance? seniorprogram@crosbyscholars.org