<p>I’m just wondering because I have like the whole freakin’ Kaplan library in my house, and I always use their guides to study. I thought they worked for me, but after reading through here, I’m rather doubtful. I’m taking 4 AP’s, 2 of which I’m self-studying, so the solid rejection of Kaplan guides is rather worrisome. </p>
<p>Thoughts?</p>
<p>From my experience with Kaplan books, their materials is not as in-depth, is in general poorly organized (last year I made better in-class exams scores studying with a Princeton Review guide from 4 years ago than I did with the most recent Kaplan book for Psychology!), and does not offer practice questions that are as similar to the real test questions as other companies are.
I also know many people who work for the local Kaplan office in my city, including a very good friend who is ashamed of their test prep services because he has to answer and address complaint calls while being well aware their teachers aren’t as good as they could be. The SAT review book I got about 2 years ago from Kaplan also seemed to offer advice that gave me no confidence in testing. </p>
<p>On that note, I would recommend looking around these forums, particularly at this thread for book suggestions: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/ap-tests-preparation/201793-consolidated-book-suggestions-ap.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/ap-tests-preparation/201793-consolidated-book-suggestions-ap.html</a> </p>
<p>There are certain companies good for specific subjects, so try to do your research before purchasing more study guides so you can get the best of the best! </p>
<p>If it’s any help, I made all 5’s except for a 4 in English using: REA for APUSH (and please check out [Travel</a> and History](<a href=“http://www.u-s-history.com%5DTravel”>http://www.u-s-history.com) because it is amazing!), Princeton Review APES (as well as lots of textbook reading), Princeton Review + Kaplan (though not helpful) AP Psych (also with lots of textbook reading), CliffsNotes for AP Language, and Princeton Review for Calc AB.
Another great source is to use the AP Central website and look through all the previous years’ free response questions.</p>
<p>Kaplan’s books are either too skimpy or written some some PhD who cannot convey information properly to high schoolers. There are a few good books by Kaplan, but for the most part, they are not to be used.</p>
<p>Some of them are filled with grammatical and stylistic errors, which can be very distracting. If the person writing it makes such mistakes and the company can’t be bothered with proofreading the guides I can’t trust their information.</p>