Do pay close attention to the “Purpose” line of a MET Grant application. Each MET grant targets a particular goal, so don’t write a proposal for something else. For example, if you want to apply for support for materials, tools, or technology for the classroom, don’t include travel to some conference on technology, as that doesn’t fit the grant criteria.
Do carefully read the General Proposal Information, and the Plan and Outcomes criteria for a MET grant. The items in those sections of the application are part of the scoring rubric for your application.
If your grant includes impact on others—such as teachers, students, families or administrators—be as specific as possible in detailing what the anticipated impact/benefit will be for each participant group. Don’t talk in generalities. Include specifics about how you plan to assess/evaluate the impact of the grant on those populations.
Do pay attention to the detailed budget criteria as they differ based on the design of the grant. For example, some grants specifically allow, don't allow, or have limitations on certain purchases (materials, technology, salaries, etc.). Provide explanations for the items included in your line-item budget.
Do be specific about your plans for your proposal, timelines, or examples of lessons, etc. Don't speak in generalities but give enough information to give the reviewers a snapshot of your intent while staying within the page limitation.
Do tailor what you write about your Background and Experience to the specific grant. For instance, if it is for a scholarship discuss your prior success as a student, and so on.
Do pay attention to the Scoring Rubric for your grant, organize your application around those rubric targets.
Do ask a colleague, principal, or mentor to read your application before sending it off. Another set of eyes often helps with clarity in your presentation.
Do give those whom you ask to write a letter of support a copy of the Letter of Support description found in the Application Information. The letters should be current and written directly to the grant criteria.
When considering equity make sure you think more broadly than students with varying abilities.
If you are writing for a research study that will gather data from human subjects, make sure to include how and when you will seek Human Subjects approval from your university and/or school/district. MET will need an approval letter prior to the start of the data collection.