Should I use multiple AP review books for the AP biology exam?

Question

and why?..

i've done thorough research on which AP bio review book to get,and every source says a different thing

so i was considering getting multiple...would you suggest this or would this not be good.. and why?

(deciding between: Cliffs, 5 steps to a 5, Princeton review, Barron's)

please say:

1) if i should you multiple or just 1-2..and why

2) any experience you've had with these books and AP sciences

3) if you want/have an opinion, which books you think i should get

thankss!!! top points :)

Answer 1

Don't get more than one. Just share copies with friends. I had Princeton Review, my friends had Barron's, Cliffsnotes, and the one from the text book's publisher.

  

Answer 2

Getting many books for just ONE AP class is going to be a waste of your money. So at the most just get 1 or 2 for that class because it's just a review of what you're going to already know or should have learned from class. It's really to help give you extra information, to clarify what you don't understand, and to help you study when the AP test comes around.

They are helpful in condensing a year's worth of information into one book so I do suggest you getting one, but if you don't have the capital the library can always be of help, just don't expect for there to be any left when it's a month or two before the AP exam.

I wouldn't get Princeton, I looked at my friends book and it just seemed so small compared to everyone elses. And of course you shouldn't always judge by size, but the size was a huge tip off. When I looked at what it went over it was...barely substantial. I liked the Barron's because it had a CD so I could practice using the disk, and trust me conditioning for the exam through practice tests will take the edge and nervousness out of you. And there was another brand that I liked that my friend had, I think it might had been Cliffs because they were also detailed and had good pictures/diagrams.

My advice for the AP sciences...STAY AWAY FROM CHEMISTRY; unless you know you're pro at it. Just STAY AWAY. I believe the pass rate is almost 30% or less. I didn't even pass because it was just so difficult. But if you like the challenge then go ahead, just make sure you have a firm grasp on math, because you're going to need it for a few of the topics.