FWIW you live and die by the gouge. I glanced through the stuff that was on baseops but mainly studied the real deal at IFS. Sure it's great to have but like previously posted it's probably going to be old. Best advice IMO after you get done with the academic classes (mine ended on the Friday after I got there), read it all over that first weekend. Yeah it sucks to waste a weekend to read it, but it is one out of many and your focus should be to get through the program not to go skiing etc (not saying that you shouldn't have fun, but study first). Know the bold face and ops limit cold. If you are able to get some time in before going to IFS do it, but don't worry if you can't. This program is designed for people with no time and you will be fine. Lastly, help out your flight mates when they need help and don't be afraid to ask for help either.
I just finished up here, and it is a well designed program. If you have any questions PM me and I will answer your questions to the best of my ability. Remember though that this program also shows you your own learning habits and what not, so whatever worked for me might not work for you.
PS - Go to the tower and give the controllers a class/flight patch. They listen to you screw up comm all day ever day, and they will appreciate it. Apparently I was the first one to give them one.