"Have you applied here before?"

[anxiousmike]

Some applications ask: "Have you applied here before?"

1) Why do they ask?

2) Do they devalue your application if you say 'yes'?

3) What would be the repercussions of saying 'no' if you had applied before?

I was just always curious about this. Thoughts?

Edited September 17, 2011 by anxiousmike

[gellert]

Not political science, but my understanding is:

1) They ask because if it's been recently, they might still have some of your data (such as GRE scores) on file. This could save them time and you money.

2) No.

3) Don't do it. They will find out and it's always best not to look like you're lying or evading the truth on ANY part of your application. They'll start to wonder where else you're stretching the truth.

[gradcafe26]

I agree with gellert, tell them the truth (unless you have turned down their offers in the previous year?)

[adaptations]

I am currently enrolled in a PhD program and had applied to my school twice before. I had also been accepted to other programs previously and was still accepted again after turning down their previous offers. My suggestion - just be honest!