Banner with Words: Dream Big

SIEML Application Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Following are answers to some commonly asked questions. 

What is the transcript requirement? 

  • Official transcripts are required and can either be uploaded here via PDF or released to sieml@ucop.edu.

  • In addition, if you have transfer credits, attach official transcripts from every institution you attended as well. You may skip this requirement ONLY if your degree awarding institution transcript from above lists the specific coursework AND actual letter grade. This is a common error that can keep your application from being reviewed so please follow instructions carefully.

  • If you are Pell Grant eligible and this provides an economic hardship, you can request an accommodation by uploading a copy of your Pell Grant eligibility and your unofficial transcript(s) to this application AND then emailing sieml@ucop with a request for accommodation review. Your unofficial transcript(s) must be one continuous document that comes from your school which clearly shows your name, school name/logo, and all coursework to date with relevant grades. Requests must be submitted by 8:00 AM PT on Monday, January 4, 2027. If your accommodation is approved, you will receive further instructions on how to finalize your application.

  • If submitting before current fall grades are in, please email updated transcripts with fall grades to sieml@ucop.edu by the application deadline.

  • Seniors must be enrolled at their degree-awarding institution through Spring Term of the SIEML program year they are applying for. Seniors applying to the program will need to include a transcript that shows their final spring course schedule at their degree-awarding institution. Seniors should ensure there are no conflicts between full SIEML program dates and graduation activities.

I’d like to update my application with my fall grades. How do I do this since my application is submitted?

  • You can email your materials to sieml@ucop.edu and the team will attach the file to your application for you.

Please share more about the essays and word counts?

You can use up to 750 words TOTAL for the three required essays and an additional 200 words for the optional essay. Please copy and paste the prompt before each essay. The prompt is not included in the word count. Below are the essay prompts. This is also embedded in the application.

Please answer the questions below and upload them as one continuous document that flows from one essay to the next. Please make sure the document has your name and also paste the prompt before the relevant essay (max 750 words TOTAL):

  • How have you demonstrated leadership? Please provide a descriptive example.
  • What is your motivation and interest in attending a graduate business school program?
  • What skills would you want to develop during SIEML and why?
Optional Essay: (200 words total)
  • Are there any extenuating circumstances you'd like to share that has impacted your college performance and/or engagement? This essay is truly optional and should be written after essay 3.

My recommender is unable to submit their letter by the deadline, can I still apply? 

  • You can submit your application while your recommendation letter is in process. While your application is due on January 6, 2027 at 11:59PM PST, your recommender will have until Wednesday, January 20, 2027 at 11:59PM PT to submit materials.

I need to change my recommender but I already submitted my application, what should I do?

  • You can access the instructions and prompt for your recommender at: https://sieml.universityofcalifornia.edu/how-to-apply/.
  • Please have your new/ updated recommender send their letter on official letterhead in PDF format to sieml@ucop.edu. Please ask them to use their professional email address for correspondence. 
  • Please also email our team with the following information for your new recommender: professional email address, title and employer.

My recommender is having issues loading in my letter. How can I help them?

  • You'll want to confirm that your recommender is using the most recent request for recommendation email. Reminder emails give a new link, which makes an older email obsolete. They are also welcome to  send their letter on official letterhead in PDF format to sieml@ucop.edu. Please ask them to use their professional email address for correspondence.