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FAQ

Below are many frequently asked questions about the UW Amgen Scholars Program. If any of your questions are not answered here, email uwamgen@uw.edu.

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 nation’s leading educational institutions. The Program seeks to increase learning and networking opportunities for students committed to pursuing a science or engineering career and to spark the interest and broaden the perspective of students considering a scientific career. Ultimately, the Program aims to increase the number of students pursuing advanced training and careers in the sciences.


What minimum criteria do I need to meet to apply to become an Amgen Scholar?

Program applicants must be:

  • U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents;
  • Undergraduate students enrolled in accredited four-year colleges and universities in the United States, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories; and
  • Sophomores (with four quarters or three semesters of college experience), juniors and non-graduating seniors (who are returning in the fall to continue undergraduate studies).

Program applicants must also have:

  • A cumulative GPA of 3.2 or above; and
  • An interest in pursuing a Ph.D. or M.D./Ph.D. (MSTP)

Is there one application form for all of the program sites?

No. Each program site has its own application process.


Can I apply to more than one program site?

Yes. You can apply to as many program sites as you would like, but each program site requires a separate application.


Is there a common application deadline for all program sites?

Yes. The application deadline for all U.S. host universities is February 3, with the exception of the California Institute of Technology, for which the deadline is February 17.


Are there certain application requirements common to all program sites?

Yes. The application at each program site will, at a minimum, require the submission of an unofficial transcript, a letter of recommendation and a personal statement or essay.


How do I apply?

You apply by following the instructions to complete and submit the 2014 application available online, as well as providing the additional required application materials. Applications are due February 3, 2014 for the 2014 UW Amgen Scholars Summer Program. All application materials need to be RECEIVED by the February 3rd deadline.


Are there common program dates for all program sites?

No. All program sites require a full-time commitment for eight to 10 weeks, with programs generally beginning in June and ending in August. The different starting and ending dates should help accommodate varying school schedules for applicants.


What is the expected number of Amgen Scholars at each program site, and in total?

Each U.S. program site will have approximately 25 Amgen Scholars each summer. With 10 U.S. host universities, we expect to have more than 250 Amgen Scholars in total each summer.


Do I need to attend one of the 10 program sites during the academic year to apply to the Amgen Scholars Program?

No. Eligible students from across the United States, Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories may apply.


What about housing, food and travel expenses to and from the Program?

Financial support is a critical component of the Amgen Scholars Program. Please note that details vary by university. See each university’s summer research program website for more information.


Will there be an opportunity to meet Amgen Scholars from other program sites and to learn more about research and biotechnology?

Yes. In July, each Amgen Scholar will attend a symposium to hear firsthand from leading scientists working in industry and academia. The symposium will be held in California, and will provide a great opportunity to network with other Amgen Scholars from across the nation.


Is the cost of travel to and from the symposium, as well as room and board at the symposium, covered by the Program?

Yes.


What is Seattle life like?

For information on Seattle life and what you can do outside of research, visit UW’s Seattle Life page.


Can I apply to participate in the Amgen Scholars Program if I am not a science or engineering major?

Yes. Though we expect that the majority of Amgen Scholars will be science or engineering majors, students in any major with an interest in scientific research may apply.


Do I need to have research experience in order to apply for the Program?

No. The Amgen Scholars Program encourages applications from students experienced in research as well as newcomers to the field. Applications are particularly encouraged from students who attend colleges and universities that have limited opportunities for students to conduct research.


Which areas of academic research will the Program offer?

Depending on the program site, research areas may include Biochemistry; Bioengineering; Bioinformatics; Biopsychology; Biotechnology; Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering; Chemistry; Immunology; Medical Pharmacology; Microbiology; Molecular Genetics; Molecular Medicine; Molecular Pharmacology; Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology; Neurobiology; Neuroscience; Pathology; Physiological Psychology; Physiological Science; Statistics; and Toxicology.


When will I find out if I have been accepted into the Program?

By mid March – April of 2014.


Can I participate as an Amgen Scholar for more than one summer?

No. You 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 will have the opportunity to benefit from this type of hands-on research experience.


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.


Is it possible for me to work with a faculty member not listed on the UW Amgen Scholars Program?

No. Students who wish to participate in the UW Amgen Scholars Program should select research projects from the list provided on the website. Faculty who wish to participate in future years should contact the URP staff.


Whom do I contact with questions about the Amgen Scholars Program?

Please contact us at uwamgen@uw.edu.


Do I need to submit a recommendation letter from a faculty member?

Yes. We do require that you submit a recommendation letter from a faculty member familiar with your coursework or prior research experience for your benefit. Since program research mentors are UW faculty, they will want to assess your potential as an Amgen Scholar based on the recommendation of a fellow faculty member.


Does the recommendation letter need to be from a faculty member from my current institution?

No. We will accept a recommendation letter from a faculty member familiar with your coursework or previous research experience from any institution that you attended or participated in a research program at.


How should I compose my Resume/C.V. for my application?

We recommend that you limit your resume/C.V. to no more than 2 pages for your application. We expect your resume/C.V. to reflect your academic accomplishments, work experience, and other activities carried out during your undergraduate career, and we ask that you limit mention of experiences prior to college to those that are relevant to your consideration as an Amgen Scholar.