Sorry...shouldn't have given dates. I was just going based on what I had read earlier in the thread. We started on the 19th of August, so you'll probably have a slightly different start date. If I remember correctly, the white coat ceremony is on the Thursday of the week when you start.
As far as books go, I guess I use fewer books than most. The high yield books are good for an overview of systems, but don't have enough detail to get you through an exam. (Great pre-reading though...) However, the test material is basically taken straight out of the notes the instructors give you. I think the only books I have really used are the anatomy books (Color Atlas of Anatomy is my fav...has cadaver pics) although you will also need Moore Dalley's Clinically Oriented Anatomy. One of the instructors tests over the "blue boxes" in the sections.
I have several of the books, but very, very rarely use them.
So, as far as books go, you'll probably have to make up your own minds. If you are a book learner, by all means get the books! I tend to rely on the notes given in class and look things up occasionally when I need a little further explanation, but this could have been accomplished in the library for as little as I actually use most of the books.
As far as what to bring, I would bring whatever science books you have. It is good to have some reference materials at your fingertips when you want it.
Hope this helps!
Tammy
p.s. I would highly recommend joining "note pool." We rotate taking notes in class and distribute them among the group. This is great if you ever miss a class, want to make sure you don't miss something in your own notetaking, etc. It's optional, of course! You'll get more info about it when you start school.
Anyone doing anything interesting over the summer? 
