<p>So I was wondering if, by the time I apply to top PhD programs, I have taken 4 classes as Pass/Fail within my undergraduate career. None of these courses would be in my major, and my GPA would undoubtedly be raised as a result of doing so (both because my classes with higher grades will be weighted more, and I will be able to better allocated my time towards these classes that I care about). My question is this: do graduate schools care whether or not they see some classes outside of our major designated as "Pass/Fail" on my transcript? Keep in mind that I am planning on applying to top PhD programs in my field (computer science).</p>
<p>I took courses in music, philosophy and sociology pass/fail and still got into all of the top math PhD programs I applied to.</p>
<p>The admissions committee will be trying to assess your motivation, potential and preparation for a research career in computer science - your performance in a fine arts course has (almost) nothing to do with that. It certainly ranks WAY behind your letters of recommendation, research experience and computer science + math coursework in importance. If taking a few electives pass/fail allows you to focus more fully on your computer science work, it might be in your best interest to take advantage of the opportunity.</p>