Authors of ambitious proposals often find their work dismissed by reviewers who use that very word--ambitious--as a criticism.

There's no excuse for submitting a grant proposal without meticulously reviewing all the information about the program, including the fine print and recent changes, and talking to the program officer.

Your application should state clear scientific objectives and have a clear and specific research plan. Pay close attention to the writing; make sure it is clear, concise, and correct.

If you don't have a pathway award or a similar fellowship, you'll probably be competing for the positions left over once all the award winners have been placed.