<p>I recently had some issues out of my control to deal with that might cause me to take two major classes P/NP to save my grade. The thing is, my grade is 3.9+ and in the past I have had a low course load. I have one more year left (5 year student). Suppose I graduate in 5 years and am able to hit all the requirements to graduate with a 3.9, would graduate schools look into the fact I took a light course load and had two major classes P/NP? I intend to get into a hard sciences grad school at a (hopefully) top university. Thanks!</p>
<p>It might be cause for alarm to them… if the classes are related to the field you’re going into, it doesn’t seem like a good sign</p>
<p>taking major courses p/np wasn’t allowed at my school.</p>
<p>You should be fine. My undergrad GPA didn’t even meet the GPA requirements and I actually ended up failing a class due to some personal issues and I still got accepted to several good grad schools, because of the rest of my application. You’re in a much better spot than I was. Your GPA is still extremely high. Just be sure to quickly mention whatever hardship you went through in your personal statement (in no more than a sentence or two). Most apps also have a space where you can explain any problems in academic record or whatever. Just quickly explain why you had to take the courses P/NP. As long as the rest of your application is good (LORs, solid personal statement, research experience, good GREs), I wouldn’t worry about it as long as you apply to a range of grad schools i.e. don’t just apply to Harvard and MIT. But also don’t sell yourself short: don’t be afraid to apply to reach schools as long as you also apply to safety schools.</p>