Reapplying to same schools

[alphabetasoup]

Hello,

I'm reapplying to the same PhD programs as I did last year, and some schools' application asks whether I have previously applied to their graduate program? Is there a particular reason why this is asked? Is there any issue with not answering this question? Aside from a few, significant changes, my application is largely the same including LORs and parts of my personal statement. As such, I'm a bit uncomfortable with the idea of them comparing this year's application with last year's. Does anyone have any recommendation on how to handle this? Many thanks.

[maelia8]

I'm assuming they are asking because they will want to pull up your old application in the system to compare it with your new one and see what has changed. Since they will find out that you already applied eventually anyway, it's probably better that you inform them that you've already applied to speed up the process of evaluating your application. Not telling them might also be seen as disingenuous.