Preparatory study *before* schooling?

[Keycube]

After perusing the many threads on the subject, looks like the YDS course will be for me (next year, after I fry some more important financial fish). So, I ask you all this: Are there some preparatory books I should check out before I take the course, so I am well-versed in some of the terminology and concepts *before* I even take the course. I have a real aversion to unpreparedness. :-(

Thanks!

Robert

[edneu]

I would definately develop some skill in manual drafting, maybe even taking a mechanical drawing course. This is a very valuable skill, which will prepare you even if you plan to use computer aided design. I don't know much about YDS but in Westlawn's program being competent at sketching and drawing would be a tremendous asset.

If you do decide on YDS, I would contact Mcnaughton and ask him t=for the list of books associated with each lesson. I believe he relies heavily on reading outside of the text and each lesson contains a must read list.