question

<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? For example, I know that the normal course load at Harvard is 4 courses, but would business 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>If you can explain in an optional essay why you had to take a heavier course load, then it may be helpful. </p>

<p>However, if you chose to take a heavier course load than others without a good reason other than "I wanted to finish faster" then that was purely your choice. Compensate for GPA with a high GMAT score. Being a woman already gives you an advantage.</p>

<p>That's a really good question. From my research, I have seen that the admissions committee does pay attention to your course load, but I'm not sure if having a heavier load in one major would grant you any sort of advantage over other applicants. In fact, I'd reccommend carrying the typical load, and getting good grades rather than taking a heavier load where your grades may suffer.</p>

<p>Now, if you were talking about having a diverse double major (ie: Arabic and Mechanical Engineering), you'd probably score major points.</p>

<p>Is a double major in finance and political science/IR considered "diverse"?</p>

<p>Yeah, I'd call Finance and Poli Sci a diverse double major.</p>

<p>does affirmative action have any affect for those applying to graduate school (business school)? I know it does for college but i assume they dont for grad.</p>

<p>AA is huge at most grad schools. At the University of Michigan discussion with the Supreme Court one admissions officer said that they may well not have any students of color if not for AA. AA lasts a lifetime: undergrad, grad, employment, gov contracting, ect..</p>

<p>"AA lasts a lifetime: undergrad, grad, employment, gov contracting, ect.."</p>

<p>I never knew that. I always assumed it was just for college. Well, I guess I have to experience all those events to know. Thanks for the help.</p>