Preparing for the Exam
The student is strongly advised to have their written proposal read critically by other students and/or postdocs (not faculty), but beware of "friends" who have only good things to say. What you seek is constructive criticism, and the ability to provide constructive criticism is an acquired skill that only comes with experience.
A spell checker is an essential computer tool that you should employ for final editing of your document. A style/grammar checker may also be helpful. Typographical and grammatical errors suggest sloppy thinking.
Please consult writing and style guides regarding difficulties with word usage, grammar or punctuation. (recommended: Strunk and White, Elements of Style, 3rd Edition, MacMillan, NY, 1979). Avoid the use of lab jargon and shorthand. Also avoid excessive use of uncommon abbreviations. If abbreviations must be used, they should be defined at the beginning of the main text.
DO NOT prepare your proposal without input from experienced scientists - find colleagues to help you think through your ideas. Discuss the science over and over again; pick at the flaws in your hypotheses and experiments and correct them through successive iterations of presentation and critique. This process is best done with colleagues or faculty (not on the Prelim Committee and not your advisory) who are willing to be critical. You are encouraged to contact experts outside of the University who are working in the field. Remember, this is how real research is done. All input from faculty, however, should be limited to discussion of the science for the proposal“ and NOT involve critical reading of the proposal or participation in a practice exam.
Review what you learned in the first year of graduate school. Many students forget principles and facts they have not used, so review the basics of molecular biology. You may be asked basic questions about principles and methods “be prepared!
Most importantly, present a practice oral exam in front of trained and critical colleagues (anyone except faculty). This will give you an opportunity to get experience thinking on your feet, and could uncover critical flaws in your thinking or presentation.