2024 Kyoto University Amgen Scholars ProgramFAQ

APPLICATION
Q1: Can I apply for the Amgen Scholars Program at more than one
institution?
Yes. Eligible undergraduate students are welcome to apply for the Amgen Scholars
Program at any or all of the institutions offering the program. Please note, however,that each institution has its own application process and requirements.
Q2: I am a master’s student. Can I apply for the program?
No. You must be an undergraduate student to apply for the program.
Q3: I am currently studying for my second bachelor’s degree. Can I applyfor the program?
No. You must be an undergraduate student who does not currently hold a bachelor's
degree.
Q4: I am a medical student, and have completed pre-clinical training. Can I
apply for the program?
No. Medical students who have completed their pre-clinical training by the start ofthe Kyoto University Amgen Scholars Program are not eligible to apply.
Q5: I am not a science or engineering major. Can I apply for the program?
Students in any major can participate in the Kyoto University Amgen Scholars
Program.
Q6: My classes do not end until after the program starts. Can I apply for theprogram?
No. All students enrolled must participate for the entire duration of the program,including attendance at the Asia Symposium.

TRANSCRIPT
Q7: What is the minimum GPA required to be eligible to apply for theprogram?
There is no minimum GPA requirement. Screening is based on overall assessment ofthe applicant’s academic performance, including, but not limited to, their GPA.
Q8: My university does not provide an official transcript in English. Whatshould I do?
Please submit the official transcript together with its translation, verified by youruniversity.

Q9: I am a first-year student and my academic transcript is not available.
What should I do?
Please obtain your grades for the current semester (endorsed by your university),and submit them online as a scanned PDF.
Q10: Can I submit my transcript after the application deadline?
No. All required documents must be submitted by the application deadline, as theselection process will commence immediately after the deadline.

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
Q11: I am studying at a university whose language of instruction is English.
Do I need to submit English proficiency test scores?
If you have studied in an English-taught program for the last five consecutive years
or more, you do not need to submit proof of your English proficiency.
Q12: I only have a TOEFL ITP score. Will this be accepted as part of myapplication?
No. Only scores from the English tests listed under "General Eligibility" will beaccepted.
Q13: The only English test score I have has already expired. Can I use it formy application?
You may submit the expired score. However, a valid score will be considered morefavorably in the screening process.
Q14: Can I submit my English test score after the application deadline?
No. All required documents must be submitted by the application deadline, as theselection process will commence immediately after the deadline.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
Q15: Can I contact potential hosting faculty members to get advice for myresearch proposal?
No. One of the purposes of the research proposal submitted with the application isto demonstrate the applicant’s ability to think independently and draft their own
proposal. Applicants may discuss their research theme in detail with hosting faculty
members after they have been selected for the program.
Q16: Can I choose any kind of theme for my research proposal?
Please write a research proposal focusing on a theme relevant to the lab of yourpreference, and which you expect to be able to complete during the eight-weekprogram. Proposals may be pursuant to an original project or to an already existing
project, provided the research theme is relevant to the laboratory.

Q17: I need advice about how to write a research proposal. What should I
do?
If you are having difficulty writing a research proposal (e.g. because you are a firstyear student or do not have previous lab experience, etc.), then we recommend thatyou contact a faculty member at your home institution who can assist you.
Q18: Is there a limit to the number of characters that can be used whenwriting the “Statement of Purpose?
The Statement of Purpose must be entered in two columns, each of which has space
for a maximum of 3,000 characters (including spaces). Please note that this is thenumber of characters—not the number of words.
Q19: If my proposal required a certain equipment or research material, how
can I know if it would be available?
Since we do not allow applicants to contact the relevant laboratory before thescreening process, we are afraid you need to write your proposal based on theassumption that everything it needs would be available.
One of the purposes of the research proposal submitted with the application is todemonstrate the applicant’s ability to think independently and draft their own
proposal. It is not guaranteed that you will be assigned the research you write forthe proposal, but you may discuss your research theme in detail with hosting faculty
members after you have been selected for the program.

RECOMMENDATION LETTER
Q20: Who should I ask to write me a recommendation letter?
The recommendation letter should be written by someone who knows the applicant
very well, preferably through academic and/or research activities at the applicant’s
home institution. For example, a faculty member, principal investigator, or professor.
Q21: How do I submit my recommendation letter?
Immediately after you submit your application online, an e-mail notification will besent automatically to your two nominated referees with instructions on how tosubmit a recommendation letter on your behalf, and details of the application
deadline. Please be sure to submit your application allowing sufficient time for thereferees to submit the recommendation letters.
Q22: Can I send my nominated referee a link to submit theirrecommendation letter before I submit the online application?
No. The e-mail notification from our online system with the link to submit therecommendation letter will be sent to your referee only after you have completed
and submitted the application.
Q23: Is there an official format for the recommendation letter?
There is no official format for the recommendation letter, but it should be written on

departmental letterhead and include the referee’s signature.
Q24: Is there a limit to the number of characters that can be used whenwriting the recommendation letter?
There is no limit to the number of characters that can be used.
Q25: What kind of details should the recommendation letter include?
Your referees will receive detailed instructions on writing the recommendation letterby e-mail, together with the link for its submission.
Q26: I have a problem with writing e-mails of my recommenders. The
system doesn't want to admit @gmail.com.
Due to system constraints, you are not able to input "gmail" account.
Please use the different e-mail address, preferably his/her official business e-mailaddress.