Have you....

given yourself enough time to plan and write an accomplished proposal?

read all the right forms and guidelines thoroughly?

a clear idea of all the rules you have to follow in your application?

spoken to people who know and can help?

given time and thought to your proposed research project?

a clear objective in mind?

thought about what makes your proposal convincing and unique?

anticipated criticism?

thought about the best way to structure your proposal?

related your proposal to your career interests?

considered how your competence and experience apply?

written a clear first draft?

met the specified word limit?

carried out any revisions?

taken this draft to an academic for advice?

acted on this advice?

clearly noted the deadline for submission of your proposal?