25
approach. Use your score as a guide — if your grant wasn't reviewed, make major revisions. If your score was really
good, don't make dramatic revisions. If your application was rejected because of perceived lack of experience, add
co-applicants and solicit strong letters of support.
If you decide to resubmit, write a strong, convincing introduction that states why your project is important. Spend a
proportionately high amount of time on this part, as reviewers will read this very carefully. Address all of the issues
and criticisms outlined in the reviews, and summarize any substantial changes to the application (e.g. additions,
deletions and changes). Make it very clear what changes have been made and make these easy to find in the rest of
the application — reviewers will be looking closely at this. Be respectful of reviewers, thank them for helping make
your proposal stronger.
Be sure to take note of deadlines, which documents will need to be included in your resubmission, and respect
space limitations. Make a timeline for yourself that includes enough time for colleagues and mentors to read your
application, make comments, and for you to address them.
If you decide not to resubmit: Make note of what you did well, and what you need to work on . . . and get to work
With the current state of funding, there is not enough money to fund all of the wonderful projects and the great
researchers who are doing good work. While getting a grant is a sign of success, having your grant rejected is not
a sign of failure. Treat this as a learning opportunity and keep working at it.
