last year they left us all in the learch (i thought for a bit they forgot about me!) until mid-july as far as any information about the school year. once you can access blackboard the 'faststart' stuff should be on there. i wouldn't waste your last precious weeks of summer looking at it though, just know where to show up the first day and you'll be fine. during the first week there are organized parties almost every night and these should not be missed! you have hardly anything to do if you are setttled in wherever are you are living. there is a PBL case that goes on throughout the week to orient you to PBL, but i would spend MINIMAL time on the PBL case... it counts for nothing and is just meant to prepare you for how boring PBL can be (and expose the gunners at the earliest possible moment!). the best tool in the faststart is the unofficial guide to medical school, written by the class ahead of you, which gives you the low-down on professors, cores, books, equipment, and everything you need to know - i read through different sections of this many times throughout the year when it was applicable and it was very helpful. orientation was actually a lot of fun - you get to know your classmates, have a lot of FREE drinks, lunches and dinners, and you don't have any studying to do. i used orientation week for the above and to get settled in my apartment. enjoy it because the 10 weeks that follow kinda blow.
also, if you wear scrubs, a stethoscope, and diagnose the PBL patient with lupus on the first day you will be the coolest kid in your class, do it!
