<p>Why do they ask this question? I'm curious, because I was admitted for undergrad to one of the schools I'm now applying to for grad school, but decided to go somewhere else. I sent in the reply card, didn't just leave them hanging, but I still wonder whether my going somewhere else for undergrad could negatively affect admissions now. What do you guys think? Why do they ask this?</p>
<p>I think they mean have you applied previously for graduate study.</p>
<p>because they keep grad school application files on file for at least a year. as such, if you're reapplying, you don't have to resubmit your transcripts. you still pay again for the application, but it does lessen the amount of work on your part a little bit.</p>
<p>ah. They're not so clear on that. Thanks guys!</p>
<p>Do they keep the ENTIRE file, including letters of recommendation?</p>
<p>Bump... does anyone know the answer to this? I'm curious. I don't have any weak letters, I'm not trying to hide anything. But if I reapply to the same department for fall 2008, and they will look at my previous year's application, I could potentially have 6-7 letters. It wouldn't make sense for me to ask the same people to write for me (unless they could attest to the fact that I have done something wonderful in the subsequent year), right?</p>
<p>How common are repeat applications?</p>
<p>I don't know about other fields, but they are extremely common in architecture.</p>
<p>It's pretty common in medical school and law school applications, but I'm not sure about PhD programs.</p>