<p>Would it be a disadvantage applying to HYPSM if you aren’t like years into college biology or something like that? And would it be okay if I took 2 summer courses in different subject areas or is it better for them to be in the same?</p>
<p>You aren’t expected to have any summer courses. You’re simply expected not to have wasted your summer and therefore to have done something productive, whether that’s volunteering, working, pursuing a hobby, attending a summer program, or whatever else.</p>
<p>If you take summer courses, take them in whatever subject areas interest you. They’re not going to be like “This person took two subjects instead of one! REJECT!”</p>
<p>And no, you’re not expected to be “years into college biology.” You’re expected to be prepared for college-level material. You can get in without any prior college-level work (although you’re not going to get in without AP/IB if your schools offers them).</p>
<p>Worry more about taking courses/programs you enjoy than what colleges want to see. It will show in your apps. Any summer doing an activity you are passionate about is time well spent.</p>
<p>That said, doing SOMETHING in the summer is a must, if not for college then for life experience. When else are you going to have 3 months to do whatever you want(:</p>