Consolidated book suggestions for AP - Page 55

Stimulus · 07-31-2009, 12:36 AM

Oh all right thanks a lot immortalix

R-KATT · 08-01-2009, 06:53 AM

has anyone heard about 5 steps to a 5 for micro/macro economics? Supposedly it is amazing. Has anyone heard about it?

Salve! · 08-01-2009, 10:31 PM

R-KATT: I have a friend who was using it, but I didn't really hear much about it from him. I looked at it briefly and it seemed like a very straightforward and easy to understand book. Although, I think from what I saw the practice tests have some information that is not really pertinent to the real thing. I personally used Princeton Review, but it was very short and didn't seem to go into much depth. I guess it went over enough though. My class was amazing, so that is probably why I got a 5 on the test.

R-KATT · 08-03-2009, 09:54 AM

Thanks. I think I am going with 5 steps since it has 4 practice tests and more course review.

Ruff Ryder · 08-09-2009, 07:14 PM

So I need a couple of books this year and from quickly perusing through the thread and just want to double check

AP Chem-Princeton Review
AP World-I got Barrons from my cousin so I was wondering if this was good enough. I could get Princeton Review. Lots of people chose either one of these.
AP Stat-Looks like Barrons?
AP Calc-Im gonna be in AB but I'll take BC next year. If there is a book that is good enough to use both years that would be useful. Around school people use Barrons, but I've heard about Petersons throught this thread.

If you have any suggestions, I would appreciate it

Salve! · 08-09-2009, 11:17 PM

Ruff Ryder... hm..

Chem = Princeton Review
- This seems like a good idea, but for me I am adding Peterson's onto that (but I need a 5 on that test since I am thinking chemical engineering). I think PR would be absolutely fine though, especially if you have a class.

World = Barrons
- If you already have it then I would just use it.

Stats = Barrons
- This looks like a good one. Stats is pretty easy, so if you have a class then it will be even better.

Calc = Petersons
- Definitely a good choice. I had a friend who had the Peterson's book and I thought it was phenomenal. Also, I recommend the Princeton Review book as that is the one I have. Basically a class will teach you everything you need anyway.

Good Luck! Your choices all seem very good and well thought out.

Ruff Ryder · 08-10-2009, 08:16 PM

Salve, which Petersons book are you talking about? Is it Master AP calc AB & BC?

Stimulus · 08-10-2009, 10:53 PM

I know this isn't addressed at me, but yes, that's what most people use

michaelwiggins · 08-11-2009, 12:22 AM

Question: People keep recommending Cliff's for Bio, but <i>why</i> is this? I really need to know, is that suggestion based on how easy the book is to understand, or how much of the necessary information it gives without giving too much?

The thing is, I already have 5 steps to a 5, and its too late to return it. I had my doubts since Cliffs is so highly recommended, but I really find 5Steps to be quite comprehensive and straightforward. In regards to how easy it is to understand, I have no complains, but does it leave out a bunch of information that I'm going to need in order to do well, that the Cliff's actually has in it?

I'd hate to drop another 18 bucks only 2 weeks after getting 5Steps, but if my chances of success are significantly greater with Cliffs then I'd consider it... Thanks!

Stimulus · 08-11-2009, 12:30 AM

Well, most people judge review books based on how well they explain the concepts AND how much the tests reflect the actual AP exam. Cliffs seems to have both, but I really don't know that much about 5 steps to actually help you decide between the two. Perhaps if anyone you know has Cliffs you could borrow it and look through it?

Salve! · 08-11-2009, 01:03 AM

Ruff Ryder, yes, what stimulus said.

R-KATT · 08-11-2009, 07:46 AM

I have both CliffsAP and 5 steps to a 5. 5 steps is good enough for a 5 so don't worry too much. Not many people are willing to take a risk with 5 steps because it is not as popular as those other Prep companies. If you really want to see CliffsAP, they have an online readable CliffsAP Biology book:

CliffsAP Bio

michaelwiggins · 08-11-2009, 09:35 AM

Well I looked through Cliff's a bit the other day at Barne's and Noble, and I wouldn't exactly say it was better, per se. Both of the books are arranged in the same manner (1 chapter for each of the topics on the exam) and going through the chapter on Biochemistry, it seemed to cover approximately the same amount of info. I wouldn't say it was more in depth, it just described it a different way.. Only diff was instead of 10 questions after each section it had around 15, which would be nice but I dunno.

If you think I can get a 5 with 5 steps then that's cool.. I'm actually interested in Biology unlike a lot of self-studyers so I'm really absorbing all of it. And as for 5 Steps being untrusted... yea, they were the only books that I had experience with until I came to this forum just because my friend lent me them. This forum kinda makes me second guess them now, since they don't seem to be a favorite for any subject :X lol

collegebound41 · 08-11-2009, 10:55 AM

Is there only one good book for art history?

Is the one mentioned by OP the best: the annotated mona lisa

knowah · 08-11-2009, 04:48 PM

collegebound41: I don't know how good it is, but I know that REA has an AP Art History book.