If you want to go into BCT with knowledge, then realize, that the only knowledge that you need to know is WHY. Why is it the way it is, Why are you treated the way you are, and Why are you expected to go through it.
The answer is simple. Take 1200 +/- individuals from 50 states, numerous territories and countries, with different backgrounds, morals, values, and beliefs; break them down; give them all something in COMMON; and get them to work together as a team. That is what BCT and the military is all about. "Team-Work". You can't defend the country, go to battle, or win a war; by yourself. You need each other. You need to throw away all that "ME" attitude and change it to "US". Believe it or not, that is one of the reasons the academies look so highly on "Athletics" and team sports in an individual's application. It's not because they are looking for NCAA D-1 athletes. It's because they know those individuals understand a bit more about team work, and NEEDING each other to accomplish the mission.
Forget that you were the BIG FISH in a little pond back home. Forget that you were popular, top of your class, star athlete/student. The majority of the other 1200 at BCT were in the same place as you. NOW, you're a LITTLE FISH in a BIG POND. There will come a time when you'll be able to use your individuality. You'll learn to become an effective leader. But you can't learn to LEAD....... until you learn to FOLLOW.
So, if you truly want to walk into BCT with some knowledge that's going to help you through BCT and the academy; then don't worry about knowing any facts, dates, etc. You'll have time for that. Get rid of the Millennial attitude of what's in it for you, your future, your goals, your anything. You'll earn the right soon enough to get back your individuality to contribute. For now, use your skills and abilities to help THE TEAM. Worry about just THE TEAM. Everything you do in BCT and your first year there, think of THE TEAM. And most importantly, make sure that your classmates with you FEEL that they too are part of THE TEAM
Once you know that everything that BCT and what you go through is about developing THE TEAM, then it will all make sense to you. And once it all makes sense, it becomes so much easier to deal with and succeed. If you think of it any other way, it will be hard. You'll take it personal. You'll feel you're being picked on. You'll feel you're not liked or respected. This is not high school. It's NOT JrROTC, CAP, or the Boy/Girl Scouts. This is the MILITARY. It just so happens that your job for the first 4 years in the MILITARY happens to be "STUDENT". But unlike a civilian university, where you get to keep your individuality and feel special, (And the school really doesn't care about you at all, as long as you pay your tuition); this is the MILITARY. And they DO CARE about you. Because how well you learn to be part of the TEAM, can directly affect if people die or not.
You want knowledge going into BCT, that is the knowledge you need to have. Not just the words I wrote, but actually understand and BELIEVE them. If you do that, you'll do so much better. And you'll be able to help the others around you who might not know this knowledge and are having a difficult time. Best of luck.