From the archive: The final countdown

Last-minute bids can succeed, but need careful planning before the late burst of activity

For all of those planning to use the end-of-year holidays to finish up a bid whose deadline is looming in early 2023, we republish Adam Golberg’s advice on last-minute applications from August 2020. A frantic burst of activity as you near the finishing line is fine and potentially even good, says Golberg, but do keep everyone involved with the bid—co-applicants, external partners, research support—informed of what you’re doing. 

And then, ask yourself: “Do I have ‘agent of chaos’ tendencies?” If the answer is yes, then Golberg has some special—pleading—words of advice for you.