Welcome to SDN and hi from a fellow "blue jay."
I will be a MS-1 at AE this fall. Already signed the loan, sent my housing deposit, and completed the paperwork, so I can't go anywhere else 🙂 !
I will not be doing the 2 week prep-course, I've already had Biochem, Cell Bio, and did research for two years in microbio. In addition, I was told the material you learn won't be used until November or December, so it's really just to get you acquainted to the area and the students. (I'm going to a wedding the 4th and the thought of class on the 5th was awful!)
Looking forward to meeting you in the fall!