<p>Hi folks, I'm a junior hoping to apply to some top schools (Yale, UChicago, Cornell, Brown, namely), and I have good test scores (2300 SAT, five AP 5's probably), solid EC's, buuuut a 3.6-3.7 UW GPA. GPA is, of course, my main weak spot.</p>
<p>However, through summer programs, course compacting, and online classes, I've had overloaded schedules each year. Our school has 7 slots you can take classes in during the day, including a space for an optional study hall, so 7 credits is their "max" in a year. However, because of those techniques I had 8.5 credits freshmen year, 8 junior year, and looking at at least 8.5 this year. </p>
<p>Only one of those "extras" was an AP class; the rest were regular. All were in my desired field(s). My course rigor is also decent: 5 AP classes + 3 honors total. Next year I'll also be taking several AP classes online along with 4 college classes each semester through dual enrollment.</p>
<p>So, my question is: how will these extra classes affect GPA consideration? Will colleges see that I went above and beyond, and not care as much about the weak GPA? Or will it not matter?</p>
<p>Thank you!</p>