Experience from a first time RoadTester

Hello all.

Fresh from my first ever roadtest, I decided that could be a good idea to share a bit of personal experience with other members who would like to apply to the RoadTest program but didn't have luck until now. To me, it required a fair amount of work but the result and enjoyment are totally worth it, trust me!

I didn't get it right the first time

This is probably pretty obvious but it's worth saying. I didn't get selected right away at my first application and there's a good chance that you could not be chosen at the first time as well, but there's nothing wrong about it. Just try again the next time and do your best!

Learn from other people

I will take as an example myself: not too long ago I applied to a roadtest and I did not get selected. What did I do? Instead of calling it done and forget about it, I waited until all roadtesters showed up with their review, then I started studying. I sat down and compared my application to their work, noting what I liked the most about their review and what was missing from my proposal. You will be surprised how much you can learn (I was actually quite shocked the first time I did this, my proposal was really bad!).
You can also search for past roadtests and for general guidance around the RoadTest section. There's plenty of material.

Don't start too big

Don't worry, I made this mistake as well: starting while attempting to participate in a roadtest for the latest a greatest instrument just presented to the market. It's cool, but you hardly will be selected. The RoadTest, as part of the name, is a "program", where manufacturers apply (and pay!) to test their products and maybe get some more exposure as well. Even if you present yourself with a fantastic plan but you "pop out of nowhere" it's hard for them to choose you, because they don't know you and that's a risk. And sometimes it's not worth taking this risk.
Initially, I was a bit naive, but once I tried thinking like being "on the other side" I understood better the situation and changed my approach.

Be as clear as possible in your application

If it's the first time you're applying, it's probably worth adding a little presentation, so that who has to come up with a decision can better gauge your ability.
On the plan side, do what fits you the most but try to be as detailed as you feel is necessary. The most important thing is to have in mind a good plan and to present it clearly. Try to add some personal touches if it fits your style.
Does it have to be perfect? I don't think so. In fact my proposal on the Rohm roadtest included a "bonus" point that, looking back at all available material on the Rohm's website, was probably quite unnecessary (in fact I didn't include it in the final review). It's ok to give you a bit of wiggle room, but the main plan must be on point.

Last but not least, writing my last application was for me not only "the roadtest application" but also a "simplified project roadmap" for me, that I followed during my review process.

It takes time, a lot!

If you think that all that I've described until now takes up a fair amount of time, you're correct, it does! Just writing an application plan to me takes many hours spread across multiple days (and a final "style review" from my girlfriend ). And that's only for writing an application, creating a proper review will need much more time, so plan ahead what you will need to do.
I'm not a native English speaker so that for me adds up a little bit of difficulty (and time) as well, but nothing that can't be overcome with a bit of planning.

What's your experience? Do you have a different approach? Let me know!