In theory, the peer review of GEAR UP grant proposals is an elegant process. Three deeply committed, highly experienced experts deliberate on the intricate details of your proposal and apply their wisdom to inform the selection of the very best. In practice, however, the peer review looks very different.

While it’s been some time since I’ve sat in on a U.S. Department of Education (ED) sponsored peer review, the general process and certainly the underlying dynamics are still relevant. So,…