Application Instructions

Amgen Scholars Program at Duke - Summer 2024 

Program Dates (to be finalized): May 20, 2024 - July 26th, 2024

The Amgen Scholars Program at Duke welcomes applications from undergraduates who demonstrate academic excellence, enthusiasm, ambition, and a commitment to pursuing biomedical graduate training (PhD or PhD/MD) and health-related research careers. 

The deadline for receipt of COMPLETE application materials is February 1, 2024.  INCOMPLETE OR LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. 

Step 1: Review Faculty Mentor Profiles

Step 2: Solicit Letters of Recommendation

  • Application to the Amgen Scholars Program at Duke requires two (2) Letters of Recommendation. Letter writers must be able to speak to your qualifications and potential for academic and research excellence.
  • Remind recommenders that letters must be received by the Amgen Scholars Program at Duke no later than February 1, 2024. 
  • You will enter recommender information in the online application, and the recommenders will automatically receive a recommendation request via email. You will be notified when each recommender has submitted a recommendation.

Step 3: Prepare Materials

  • Online Application: In addition to typical application questions, the application will require the following six response questions:
    • For each of your past research experiences (or activities where you collaborated/worked as part of a team), please list faculty mentor's name & department, dates, brief summary of project, and techniques used. (500 word maximum)
    • Describe one of your research projects in more detail. Focus on the big picture question for the field and how your project will help to address a gap of knowledge, improve upon current techniques, etc. (500 word maximum)
    • Explain how your educational and/or personal background has influenced your decision to pursue research in drug discovery and biotechnology. What are your academic and career goals and how do you plan to reach them? How will this program help you reach your goals?  (500 word maximum)
    • List extracurricular and community activities you have been involved since you've been an undergraduate.
    • List honors, awards, and other recognition you have received during high school and since you've been an undergraduate.
    • Are there additional factors in your background or life experiences that would help you benefit from this program? Discuss social, economic, educational, or other obstacles, if appropriate. This question is optional. (250 word maximum)
  • Current Transcript: Upload your unofficial undergraduate transcript into the Academic History section of the application.
    • Transcript Requirements
      • Transcripts must provide a year-by-year listing of all courses taken and the grade or mark received for each. 
      • The transcript must list your name and the name of the school.

      • We do not accept web page screenshots from a student information system in place of transcripts. 

    •    Acceptable Transcript Formats
      • Scanned copies of paper transcripts produced by the institution
      • Electronic transcripts produced by the institution
      • Please note that upon acceptance of an offer to join Amgen Scholars Program at Duke, students will be required to provide an official transcript

**Please see the statement from the Amgen Scholars Program on preparing application using generative AI.

Step 4: Complete and submit the online application

Next Application Opens November 1