Save documents as PDF
A PDF looks the same on every computer, so the admissions reader sees exactly your layout and fonts. Turn a Word essay or resume into PDF with Word to PDF. Google Docs users can download as PDF directly.
Scanned transcripts and certificates
Photos of paper documents from a phone can be combined into one PDF with JPG to PDF (or HEIC to PDF for iPhone photos). Take each photo straight on, in good light, with the whole page in the frame.
One file instead of many
Many upload fields take a single file. Combine a multi-page transcript, or several certificates, with Merge PDF, and put them in a sensible order.
Fit the upload limit
Check the limit shown next to the upload button, as it differs between portals and fields. If your file is too big, Compress PDF with Recommended usually fixes it without making text blurry.
Name files clearly
Use names like Lastname-Firstname-Transcript.pdf. It helps you keep track, and some portals show the file name to the people reading your application.