The reason you can have a GPA greater than 4.0 is that AP courses are weighted higher than a normal course. So an A in an AP course is considered a 4.3, rather than a 4.0.
Yes, AP courses count, as well as well as taking college courses. Both are options for spiking a GPA in California. There are kids applying with 4.9 and 5.0 GPAs. And I maintain it’s bu@&$”!;!.
GPA spiking past 4.0 is dishonest resume padding, and it shouldn’t be allowed.