joeblogsFAILS

Is PR sufficient for a 5, considering that I barely read the textbook?

I3auer

Probably not. If you literally memorize the Princeton book, then know how to apply it and are a pretty good guesser, you'll probably get around a 4.

Normally, Princeton is best with a second source (it helps you understand); Barron's in itself is good enough for a 5 if used correctly.

n0vad3m0n

The Barron's book for US History is absolutely atrocious from what I've heard. Apparently, their "review" consists of sample essays about each specific topic.

The Princeton is much better for the US History exam, but it's not the Bible like PR usually is for other subjects (such as World History).

I have the US history PR book in front of me right now (studying for the SAT II tomorrow), and I feel like it's not as good as it could be, so I would definately recommend reviewing class/lecture notes or online sources.

hobbithill

How would one use the Barron's book correctly?

n0vad3m0n

One would use the Barrons book correctly by selling it and buying a Princeton Review book.

hobbithill

^ have mah babiez?

I3auer

I'm not sure about the APUSH Barron's workbook, but the thread creator was asking about workbooks for World History-- and Barron's does a good job with it (better than Barron's, for a 5).

SeekingUni

Actually, the Barron's book is pretty darn good. It is fairly in-depth, and has been wonderful for me. I've used it as a supplement to my class all year, and am using it for review too.

Maybe you should check it out for yourself and not listen to what you "hear"?

The fact that you made this statement is how I know your source is not credible, because this simply isn't true. Each unit is preceded by a unit overview, which consists of general remarks, broad trends, global power and international relations, political developments, economic and environmental developments, cultural developments, and gender issues. These overviews provide insight to the unit as a whole, and not necessarily specific pieces of information, which helps put everything you've learned together. Then for each unit they list several (essay) comparisons and questions to consider. Furthermore, each CHAPTER within the unit has multiple choice quick review questions. At the end of the unit, there is a set of UNIT review questions, both multiple choice and essays.

The Barron's book has so much more than what you falsely make it out to be. Nothing personal against you, but you're keeping others from even considering a very valuable resource.

I3auer

Seeking is right ^_^

That's also how it is for AP World History. People's biggest complaint about Barron's is that it is basically a textbook, but it also points out some key ideas and lets you practice with questions. If you weren't going to use your textbook (or just want to over-prepare), use Barron's. If you are using a workbook as a reference to another book (to make it easier to understand), use the Princeton, which is more general.

gosoccer2006

You guys do realize that whatever book you like between the two is subjective? You just have to familiarize yourself over the overall layout of each book and pick which one you like. Try Barron's for this exam, and maybe for another use PR.

Some people like over-preparing so the actual AP is a blowoff. Other people don't. So basically it's up to you. Go on to another thread and look at how the books compare to the actual AP exam

SeekingUni

Of course I realize it's completely subjective. I never said the Barron's book was better than PR or anything else. All I did was clarify the misinformation that was posted.

gosoccer2006

I've personally heard that AMSCO does the best job in terms of APUSH and comparing to the AP. Is this true? The only thing is that not many people use it compared to the big ones (Kaplan, PR, Barrons, etc.).

HIGHreachNoob

I've literally read all of these and:

APUSH -- Amsco
APWH -- Barron's