JSU Center for University Scholars

Then I’ll go back to them and read [the reviews] again, while making a list of things I need to address and things I got right. What did the panel focus on? What were common flaws perceived by more than one reviewers? How can I fix those? Will it require data or a change in the focus of the question being asked? What proposal flaws did they not come out and say, but are between the lines? What are the strengths to build on? What did reviewers not understand?

Once I have a good list, I use that instead of the reviews as a guide. For one, it separates any emotional reaction to the reviews from the revision process, but it also gives me a handy check list and reminder of what I need to address and clarify. After that, I’ll set up a phone appointment with the PO. This is critical for getting a better feel for how the panel conversation went and why certain points became focal issues.

Read more including the importance of talking with the program officer.