AUA Book Thread

[NicSTX]

I hated moore - i never touched it. Katta's power points for me + BRS and benchmark

definitly get embryo BRS

[Atrain97]

I loved Moore because it helped me learn the material but it requires extra time and effort to get through it. Also I think it has been invaluable to me as a refence book sometimes I am reading about something in Pathology that I don't remember from Anatomy and I will look in BRS then find its lasking info so I look it up in Moore, never fails to answer my question. I am sure it'll be that way for when I revisit Anatomy in the Step. But like anything else in Med school you learn that you have to find what works for you. There are definately more ways than one to learn this thing. First thing you have to realize is that we take shelf exams now which we didn't before. So while Benchmark and Kata's notes may help you get an okay grade in the exams it is not the standard for the shelf. Same goes for Histo. Notes and Ross will get you through the course but the shelf will require some outside information. I personaly didn't have to take the Histo shelf but I have heard you need more to pass. I used Moore constantly and I supplemented with BRS and I did really well. Netter is a must of course. That should get you through Anatomy and Ross should get you through Histo but I would also get a USMLE style book to help you with the shelf. Just go to the bookstore in the U.S. and look through the books see what fits your style of learning and get that. The only one I would say is mandatory is Netter and BRS for Anatomy and Ross for histo however. Good luck.

[shusmita]

Does anyone have the booklist or know what books I need to purchase/order for Premed 1st term at KMCIC??

I've requested the book list a bunch of time so far but I still haven't gotten it. And I'm going to be leaving on vacation in like 2 days, so I'd really like to order them now.

If you have it, please post it here and you can add me to MSN at tictactoe1@hotmail.com

Thanks!

[Tipton]

A list I saw from Miss Britto,

1st & 2nd Semesters:

Bio: Campbell and Reece - 7th ed

Chem: Martine Slberberg - Molecular Nature of Matter and Change - 4th ed
Elizabeth Bent Weberg - Student Study Guide

Math: Faires and Defranza - Precalc - 3rd ed

Gerrad Egten - One and Several Variable - 9th ed

Eng: Rise B Axlerod, Cahrles H Cooper - St Martins Guide to Writing - 7th ed
Dorothy Seyler - Read, Reason, Write - 7th ed

3rd & 4th Semesters:

Cell Bio: Lodish, Berk, Matsudaria et al - Molecular Cell Bio - 5th ed

Chem: Arun Bhal & B.S. Bhal - A textbook of Organic Chem (avail. in Manipal)

Phys: Verma - Concepts of Physics 1 & 2 (avail. in Manipal)

Psych: D.G. Myers - Psychology - 7th ed


It looks like you need to purchase everything but Org Chem and Physics textbooks in the US before you go.

Hope this helps!

[DOCplucinski]

I have seen comments about this to buy some of your books in the US before coming because they are more expensive on the Island. I was considering of buying all of my books online before I come, is this a good idea? I'm sure it would be considerably cheaper but I was thinking of the issue of how I'm going to pack all of these books. Then there is the possibility that my baggage may not be there when I'm there and that it may take up to a week to receive it. If all of my books are in the baggage that doesn't come in on time of arrival, then I'll get screwed over for my first week of having my books.

What did you guys do? Buy some in the US and some in Antigua? Which leads me to a similar question, if I'm starting in May, when is a good time to arrive in Antigua?

[Tyrones]

its a very good question. basically i have the same concerns.

when is the right time to reach antigua. i know there is a certain date that you CANT reach before that. does anyone know wats the time when we can reach there ?

Waiting for the reply

[anatomy_guy]

Originally Posted by DOCplucinski

I have seen comments about this to buy some of your books in the US before coming because they are more expensive on the Island. I was considering of buying all of my books online before I come, is this a good idea? I'm sure it would be considerably cheaper but I was thinking of the issue of how I'm going to pack all of these books. Then there is the possibility that my baggage may not be there when I'm there and that it may take up to a week to receive it. If all of my books are in the baggage that doesn't come in on time of arrival, then I'll get screwed over for my first week of having my books.

What did you guys do? Buy some in the US and some in Antigua? Which leads me to a similar question, if I'm starting in May, when is a good time to arrive in Antigua?

Buy your books ahead of time. Look over the forum to see what students thought were the best books to use for the courses and then go from there. Also, some of the online book services sometimes offer free shipping if you buy a certain amount of books (i.e. over US$150 for Amazon.com) or if you order early enough, you may get free shipping for waiting a little longer. The online book services will offer free shipping to the island, just have them sent to the school with your name on them. It might be worthwhile to package a bunch of things into a barrel and ship your barrel a few weeks before you arrive. You can use Total Sales, Inc. or Tropical Shipping to do this. Do a search for offices near you. Allow about 2 to 3 weeks for shipping by this method as it gets on a boat and will be delivered to the port at St. Johns. Usually there are no customs charges as it is considered personal and not for sale. If you do choose to pack it into your luggage, know the weight limits and be prepared to pay for excess baggage. Just be prepared for the baggage to be delayed a day or two and make sure it gets through San Juan, Puerto Rico if that is the way you travel.
Hope this helps.
Cheers, A_G

[anatomy_guy]

Originally Posted by Tyrones

its a very good question. basically i have the same concerns.

when is the right time to reach antigua. i know there is a certain date that you CANT reach before that. does anyone know wats the time when we can reach there ?

Waiting for the reply

Some people suggest coming between 2 to 3 weeks before term starts so as to get settled. Remember, the earlier you are there, the quicker you can get internet linked, your cell phone set up and your food, toiletries or other requisites you need taken care of. If you want a car, the early bird catches the worm as they say. If you have family coming or a spouse or significant other (partner) traveling with, this also gives them a chance to get settled too. The earlier you arrive, the more likely you are to get the place you want to live. It beats showing up 2 to 3 days before and chasing down all the things you need to do like everyone else before you start classes. Also, you are ready and comfortable for your classes without the worries of where is the cell phone place and how do I connect to the internet, etc.
Cheers, A_G

[tabu]

I would not suggest coming 2-3 weeks early unless you talk to the school first, stuff here is expensive and there is no need to throw your money away for 2-3 weeks. Be here when the other students are here so they can give you tips on what to do and such to save your money. (spending $2 for a cab ride versus $40 each way.)

I would buy your books in the states and figure out the most important books, put it in your carry on since they don't weigh that bag. (Netter and histology books for the 1st sem.) Put in there a change of clothes just in case and keep it with you always. There are people here who lost one or both bags. (My roommate lost one bag with all of his books in there.) Worse case, use the books in the library until your bag comes in or the airline reimburst you. Barrel, packages, etc has the same chance of getting lost here because of various reasons. (I am still waiting for a package from last November but I got the one sent this semester already.)

Lastly, customs here will charge you a HUGE tax of 70% on your stuff. The package I got this semester that I mentioned above had my prescription glasses in them with a BRS book and misc items. They wanted me to pay 960ec ($358 USD) at customs while the next guy to me paid $1420ec for a wall clock, and other personal items.) The first package I had sent to me I only paid $2 ec (<$1 USD)

tip: take stuff out of the boxes and wrappings so it doesn't look new

tip 2: although it is risky if you lose your package, put down a lower value for the items and hope that the guy doesn't realize how much the items actually costs. (They do know how much stethoscopes are for some odd reason.)

[auabound]

if you're starting in may, come here 2-3 days before the semester starts. don't come here weeks in advance. you'll kill yourself with hotel rates and cab fares, as the person above stated. one major reason to come here 2-3 days beforehand is to check out your housing. you need to make sure everything's working and stuff, because if it isn't, you'll have time to talk to admin and get it straight. some of the really nice housing is a 30 min bus ride from campus, whereas some of the average housing is very close to campus. either one will require a sacrifice...what will you want?

i picked the close-to-campus housing, and it's awesome....i dont have to waste 10-15 EC (30 EC if you're riding alone) getting cabs every weekend. i just walk to campus. so you'll have to get here a few days beforehand and check it out for yourself.