Ok so guys you have pleanty of time before school starts. I know its hard not to worry/contemplate your new educational experience but there isn't much you can do between now and August. But here are a few things to clear up that I wish I had known before I started:
1. Attendance is NOT mandatory for classes but for labs, its a good idea (quizzes each week) and Intro to Clinical Medicine is mandatory (one time a week for two hours).
2. Don't buy your books yet. I bought ALL of them required by the instructors and have used two of them. The library has some copies available for reference. We have a student book exchange with all the texts you will need at great prices. Instructors will tell you what to buy interms of text books when classes start and since you're starting so early the bookstores at UC Davis and UCSF are excellent resources for you to take advantage of.
3. DO BUY: Gloves, stethescope and BP cuff (the rest is for second semester). Think about investing in the board review series text books for help with classes (they weigh less than the text books and are easier to read but remember REVIEW only). Buy some highlighters and note tabs you'll need them!
4. A note service/recorded lecture is not necessary. Recording lectures is a touchy subject with some instructors (I asked the second week I was here). ALL COURSES provide you with a NOTEPACK with ALL OF THE TESTABLE information. Now if your goal is to do well on exams.. thats all you need. If your goal is to do well on boards... well email me and I'll give you personal advice on how I'm approaching that topic.
5. Depending on your learning style (in reference to the notepacks) you might want to invest in a Kinko's account (to bind these notepacks) or in some 1-3 inch binders for your series of notes(About 15 for your first semester).
6. As far as the early start date. (yeah I know it sucks) BUT they were originally planning on starting school earlier than that date until my roomate and I talked the administration out of it (you're welcome). Also, we will have a week off in the first semester for "fall break".
7. Living in the Dorms is fun! You meet first years, second years, PA's, Pharmacy students, play ping pong, pool, and practice OMM more than if you lived off campus. Plus its really cheap, close to campus, and no utility bills. And I'll be your neighbor (I think thats the best reason).
8. Start getting your immunizations as soon as possible, get your physicals done and makes sure you have insurance. When dealing with the administration be sort of meticulous in your record keeping, its a good idea to make copies of important documents and speak to the personel involved with your particular concern.
Thats all I can come up with for now. But if you have any more concerns you can email me or my roomate:
me:
[email protected]
my roomate:
[email protected]
Hope this helps. Remember to enjoy your summer, relax, relax,relax and have lots of fun.
OH and on the first day of orientation, dress nicely and look representable, you'll have to do a brief intro of yourself to your entire class and its videotaped!!(Really wish I knew THAT the first day)