The application period for the Amazon Student Scholarship began last week, and if you’re interested in earning some extra dough, it’s definitely worth checking out. This merit-based scholarship is open to all Amazon Student members who are full-time students. The scholarship is intended to be win-win: Students get more cash to use for tuition, and Amazon gets to promote its Amazon Student program. Of course, that also means you have to have Amazon Student to be eligible for the scholarship. While there is a free six-month trial period for the service, Amazon Student costs $49 per year after the trial ends. The service offers student discounts on several Amazon items and free two-day shipping for eligible items.

Semifinalists will be notified in January and will then be asked to write an essay in order to advance in the competition. Don’t worry, though — it’s worth it. The competition will award fifty $5,000 scholarships, and on top of that, each winner will receive a $500 Amazon gift card to use for textbook purchases. Why walk to Bancroft when you can have $500 worth of textbooks shipped to your door?

Applications are due on Nov. 20, and the winners of the scholarship will be notified in April. Because this is a merit-based scholarship, there is a fairly lengthy application process, so it’s important to start as soon as possible. The application takes into account an applicant’s “GPA, community service, and leadership experience,” all on a comprehensive online application that can be found here. Good luck!

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Contact Nitisha Baronia at nbaronia@dailycal.org.