1. What is the purpose of the Amgen Scholars Program?
The Amgen Scholars Program provides hundreds of selected undergraduate students with the opportunity to engage in a hands-on research experience at some of the world's leading educational institutions. The Program seeks to increase learning and networking opportunities for students committed to pursuing science or engineering careers and to spark the interest and broaden the perspective of students considering scientific careers. Ultimately, the Program aims to increase the number of students pursuing advanced training and careers in the sciences.
2. What criteria do I need to meet to become an Amgen Scholar in the U.S.?
Amgen Scholars U.S. Program applicants must be:
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U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents;
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Undergraduate students enrolled in accredited four-year colleges or universities in the United States, Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territories; and
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Sophomores (with four quarters or three semesters of college experience), juniors or non-graduating seniors (who are returning in the fall to continue undergraduate studies).
U.S. Program applicants must also have:
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A cumulative grade point average of 3.2 or above; and
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An interest in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D.-Ph.D.
3. Is there one application form for all of the host universities in the U.S.?
No. Each host university in the U.S. has its own application process.
4. Can I apply to more than one host university in the U.S.?
Yes. You can apply to as many host universities in the U.S. as you are interested in, but each host university requires a separate application.
5. Is there a common application deadline for all host universities in the U.S.?
In the U.S., the application deadline for host universities is in early February, with the exception of the California Institute of Technology, for which the deadline is in mid-February.
6. Are there certain application requirements common to all host universities in the U.S.?
Yes. The application at each host university in the U.S. requires, at a minimum, the submission of an official transcript, a letter of recommendation and a personal statement or essay.
7. How do I apply?
Visit the How to Apply section of this website. Information about applying to each host university is available by following the appropriate links to the host universities' respective applications.
8. Are the summer program dates the same for all U.S. host universities?
No. All host universities require a full-time commitment for eight to 10 weeks, with the programs in the U.S. usually beginning in June and ending in August. The different starting and ending dates should help accommodate applicants' varying school schedules.
Note that most host universities do not have flexibility with regard to the summer program dates, but see each university's summer research program website for more information.
9. What is the expected number of Amgen Scholars at each host university in the U.S., and in total?
Each host university in the U.S. will have approximately 25 Amgen Scholars each summer. With 10 host universities in the U.S., it is expected that there will be approximately 250 Amgen Scholars in the U.S. each summer.
10. Do I need to have attended one of the 10 host universities in the U.S. during the academic year to apply to the Amgen Scholars Program?
No. Eligible students at universities from across the United States, Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories may apply. For instance, the 2008 Amgen Scholars class in the U.S. included students from 120 different U.S. colleges and universities.
11. What about housing, food and travel expenses to and from the summer program in the U.S.?
Financial support is a critical component of the Amgen Scholars Program. Please note that details vary by host university. See each university's summer research program website for more information.
12. Will there be an opportunity to meet Amgen Scholars participating in the U.S. Program at other host universities and to learn more about biotechnology and drug discovery and development?
Yes. In July, each Amgen Scholar in the U.S. attends a symposium to hear firsthand from leading scientists working in industry and academia. The symposium is held in California, and provides students with a valuable opportunity to network with other Amgen Scholars from across the nation.
13. Is the cost of travel to and from the July symposium, as well as room and board at the symposium, covered by the Program?
14. Can I apply to participate in the Amgen Scholars Program in the U.S. if I am not a science or engineering major?
Yes. Though it is expected that the majority of Amgen Scholars will be science or engineering majors, students in any major may apply.
15. Do I need to have research experience prior to being admitted to the Program in the U.S.?
No. The Amgen Scholars Program encourages applications from both students experienced in research and newcomers to the field. For students who attend colleges and universities that have limited opportunities for students to conduct research, the Program is a great way to gain such experience.
16. Which areas of academic research will the Program offer?
Depending on the host university, research areas may include Biochemistry; Bioengineering; Bioinformatics; Biopsychology; Biotechnology; Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Chemistry; Immunology; Medical Pharmacology; Microbiology; Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology; Molecular Genetics; Molecular Medicine; Molecular Pharmacology; Neurobiology; Neuroscience; Pathology; Physiological Psychology; Physiological Science; Statistics; and Toxicology.
Note that the terminology used to define these research areas may vary across universities. Please see each university's summer research program website for more information.
17. When will I find out whether I've been accepted into the Program?
Applicants to host universities in the U.S. will be notified by the end of March.
18. Can I participate as an Amgen Scholar for more than one summer?
No. Students are invited to participate as an Amgen Scholar for one summer only. This ensures that each summer a new cohort of approximately 250 Amgen Scholars in the U.S. will have the opportunity to benefit from this type of hands-on research experience.
19. Can I participate as an Amgen Scholar in both the U.S. and Europe?
No. Students are invited to participate as an Amgen Scholar at colleges or universities in the region of the world (U.S. or Europe) where they are currently enrolled and intend to receive their undergraduate degree. See the Eligibility section of this website for further information.
20. If I am not selected this year, can I apply again?
Yes. As long as you continue to meet the eligibility criteria, you can certainly apply again.
21. Whom do I contact with questions about the Amgen Scholars Program in the U.S.?
