Things to Consider Before Applying

Some key questions to consider before you start writing your application include:

• In thinking about your research have you determined:
  • What you intend to do?
  • Why is the work important?
  • How is your work relevant to mental health?
  • What has already been done?
  • How you are going to do the work?
• Have you prepared a brief concept paper?
• Have you prepared to do the project?
• Have you developed preliminary data?
• Have you discussed your ideas and asked for critiques from colleagues?
• Have you discussed with others their experience with the NIH application process?
• Have you read through the PHS Form 398 or PHS 424 R&R, and other NIH application forms?
• Have you thought about preparing a budget?
• Have you identified sources of funding in addition to NIH?
• In considering what grant mechanism to use have you:
  • Matched where you are in your career (pre-doc, post-doc, new faculty)?
  • Matched the type of research you will do (basic, risk and protective factors, intervention, secondary analysis)?
  • Matched the type of funds needed (how much, for how long)?

Additional help for writing the application can be found at the Office of Extramural Research Home Page.

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