<p>I know that taking a heavier course load in high school, while maintaining good grades, is looked upon favorably by college admission committees. Does the same hold true in college? I know that the normal course load at Harvard is 4 courses, but would graduate school admission committees look A LOT more favorably on someone who took 5 or 6 courses per term, assuming all other things are equal (ie. same grades, same extracurriculars, etc. as someone with the normal 4 courses per term)?</p>
<p>The standard amount should be plenty - not everyone is going to be getting top degrees even with standard course loads, so if you can work towards a top degree and do some good ECs that should be enough for grad school. Of course 5/6 courses would be looked on more favourably, but I doubt this is at all necessary.</p>