How to attach a recommendation letter for college scholarships?

Applying for scholarships and need to submit recommendation letters. What's the best way to attach or send these? Should I upload them myself or have my teachers send them directly? Any specific format I should follow when submitting them?

In the scholarship application process, it is generally preferred that your recommenders submit the letters directly, rather than you uploading them yourself. This adds to the authenticity and credibility of the recommendation. Here are some steps you could follow:

1. Request the Letter: Ask your recommender for a letter well in advance, preferably a month, to give them enough time to write a thoughtful recommendation.

2. Instructions to Recommender: Provide your recommender with the scholarship's submission guidelines. If the application is online, and they need to upload the letter, provide them the specific link where they should do so. Also, inform them of the submission deadline and any specific points that they should mention in your letter.

3. Format Requirements: Many scholarship applications will specify the format for recommendation letters. Common formats are MS Word docs or PDF files. If no format is specified, PDF is usually a safe choice as it maintains consistent formatting across different devices.

4. Submission Check: Once your recommender has told you that they've submitted the letter, you can usually confirm this by logging into your scholarship account and checking the status of your application materials.

Remember, communication is the key. Regularly follow up with your recommender to ensure they have everything they need to complete the letter, but be mindful of not overwhelming them as they might be writing recommendation letters for multiple students. Having open and courteous communication will motivate your recommender to write a thoughtful and impactful letter supporting your scholarship application.