<p>Why do colleges ask if a student has applied previously? Furthermore, Do colleges make decisions based on how we answer that question?</p>
<p>Some schools keep part or all of previous applications, so the question can help. However, other schools don’t and still ask this question, hard to say how they interpret it.</p>
<p>I’m not an admissions officer, but if you were rejected, I would assume they use it to see how you’ve changed as an applicant in the interim and what you bring to the table during the present round that you did not previously - saving old applications ensures that they have a point of reference and can access it easily and quickly.</p>
<p>If you were admitted, but did not matriculate, it could indicate to them that you are a liability to their yield and not worth readmission depending on the circumstances. However, it also means that they found you worthy of admission at one point and could work in your favor. It probably depends on the candidate and why you did not accept their offer of admissions and where you ended up matriculating.</p>
<p>What if I were to mark no? Would they search their records for my application?</p>
<p>“What if I were to mark no? Would they search their records for my application?”</p>
<p>It’s best not to lie on your application. If there’s a chance they could find out (and they probably will), they could rescind your admission.</p>
<p>It wouldn’t be a lie, for I was just ill informed initially. However, I don’t know how to justify the change.</p>
<p>Yes they would search</p>
<p>If you applied for financial aid, fafsa, or anything like that they’ll see. also, since most colleges ask for a social security number as soon as they look you up they see. Most colleges have something you have to sign that says your application is honest. If you lie about that, then they have perfect grounds to reject you. Also, colleges talk. I would be VERY bad to lie…it could easily make it harder for you to go to other colleges.</p>
<p>Be truthful, accurate, and err on the side of full disclosure even if only out of self interest.</p>