Frequently Asked Questions
Application Questions
Q: What is the minimum eligibility requirement to become an Amgen Scholar?
A: You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, be enrolled in a 4-year college or university in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territory, have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.2, and be a sophomore, junior, or non-graduating senior who will return to school in the fall to continue your undergraduate studies.
Q: Can I apply to more than one Amgen Scholars Program site?
A: Yes. You can apply to as many Amgen Scholars sites as you want to. Each site has its own application process and the application requirements may vary slightly. Be sure to read each site's requirements carefully.
Q: Is there one common application form for all 10 of the Amgen Scholars Program sites?
A: No. Each Amgen Scholars site has its own application to complete.
A: We will accept supporting documents after the deadline; however, only completed applications are reviewed.
Q: Do all Amgen Scholars Program sites have the same application deadline?
A: All sites have an application deadline of February 1, 2012 except the California Institute of Technology which has an application deadline in mid February.
Q: Are unofficial transcripts accepted?
A: Yes. UC Berkeley accepts unofficial transcripts if they are 3 pages or less. If your unofficial transcript is more than 3 pages for one college, please request an copy of your transcript from your college and upload it as a PDF document to the online application. Your transcript must include your fall 2011 grades.
Q: If I transferred to a 4-year college or university after attending community college, am I eligible to apply to the Amgen Scholars Program?
A: Yes. If you are enrolled in a four year college or university when you apply, you are eligible.
Q: My classes for Spring 2012 do not end until after the program start date, can I still apply?
A: Yes. Students on a quarter or semester system that ends after the program start date may enter the program 1-2 weeks late.
Q: Is research experience required to apply?
A: No. Research experience is not required; however, it is strongly recommended.
Q: Do I need to submit my resume?
A: No. The UC Berkeley Amgen Scholars Program does not require a resume; therefore, it is not necessary to submit one.
Q: Are international students eligible to apply to the Amgen Scholars Program?
A: No. International students are ineligible to apply to the Amgen Scholars Program. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident AND be enrolled in a college or university in the U.S., Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territory.
Q: Do all Amgen Scholars Program sites have the same application requirements?
A: Basic requirements are the same; however, please visit each Amgen Scholar site and read their application requirements as they vary slightly by campus.
Q: Do I need to send/submit my letters and transcript(s) at the same time I submit my online application?
A: No. Supporting documents can be submitted at various times. We request that letter writers upload their letters directly to the program through the online system.
Q: Should I list my research experience from high school on my application?
A: No. You should only list research experience you have obtained as an undergraduate.
Q: I am graduating in the spring 2012 semester in May or June, am I eligible to apply for the summer 2012 Amgen Scholars Program?
A: No. You must be returning to your undergraduate college or university in fall 2011 to continue your studies.
Q: My school calculates the GPA using 5.0 scale. How do I convert my GPA to a 4.0 scale?
A: To convert a 5.0 GPA to a 4.0 GPA, divide your cumulative 5.0 GPA by 1.25, or divide your cumulative GPA by 5 then multiply by 4. Both ways will yield the same 4.0 GPA conversion.
Q: How do I calculate my GPA or major GPA?
A: Visit UC Berkeley's GPA calculator and enter the units and grades for all your classes or just your major classes. You will need your overall GPA and major GPA when you complete the online application.
Q: How do I submit my letters of recomendation and transcript?
A: Your transcript should be uploaded to the online application as a PDF document. Letter writers are also asked to upload letters of recommendation through our online system. Please do not mail, email, or fax these documents to the program.
Selection & Lab Placement
Q: When will I know if I am accepted into the UCB Amgen Scholars Program?
A: Notifications will be sent out between March 1 and March 31, 2012.
Q: How many summer positions are available?
A: There are 22 - 25 summer positions available.
Q: Can I request a specific faculty to work with before I accept an offer to participate in the UCB Amgen Scholars Program?
A:Yes. You will be placed in a faculty lab a few weeks after you accept our offer to participate in the program. Most of the time you are placed with your 1st, 2nd, or 3rd choice faculty. If we cannot place you with one of your top three faculty choices, we will notify you of another faculty option before placing you in that lab.
Q: How are lab placements made?
A: Placements are made based on applicants' research interest.
Q: Can I leave for a vacation during the program?
A: No. You are required to participate for the entire 10 weeks except for students on a quarter system who must arrive late and participate 8 or 9 weeks.
Q: Can I participate as an Amgen Scholar for more than one summer?
A: No. You are eligible to participate for only one summer in the Amgen Scholars Program at Berkeley or any other Amgen Scholars Program.
Travel / Housing / Meals
Q: Do I get reimbursed for my travel expenses to and from the program?
A: Yes. You will be reimbursed for your shuttle to and from the campus. Airfare is arranged and paid for through the campus travel agency. Students who drive will be reimbursed for mileage or the equivalent of an airline ticket, whichever is the lowest cost.
Q: How do I get to the housing or campus from the airport?
A: Scholars will use Bay Area shuttle transportation.
Q: Am I required to live in the specified program housing or can I live with my friends, family, or other off-campus housing?
A: Yes. All non-Berkeley students are required to live in the designated campus housing. Berkeley students are also required to live in campus housing.
Q: Will I have a roommate?
A: Yes. Your roommate will be another Amgen Scholar. A housing questionnaire will be emailed to each participant to assist us in making the best possible roommate matches.
Q: Will a meal plan be provided during my stay in Berkeley?
A: Yes. All participants will be required to live in campus designated housing which includes a meal plan.
