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Best AP Review Books

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TheQuailman
Posts: 7382 - Karma: 147

I am currently taking:

AP US History

AP Calculus AB

AP Biology

AP Statistics

I haven't really learned too much in any of these classes, and I want to buy one of those big review books so I can teach myself what I need to know for the AP tests.

Does anyone have any suggestions on which books (brand-wise) are the best for each course I'm taking.  I want a book that not only has practice tests but also 're-teaches' the course.  Thanks for the help NS...

Apr 4 2009 1:18PM
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ClownPrince
Posts: 500 - Karma: 10
I took some of these a few years ago, so hopefully it still applies.

But I remember using a Cliffs book for bio that was good. Lots of practice questions and the review helped. For history, I think I had a Kaplan one that wasn't that great. Didn't use one for calc, and never took stats.

So I would recommend the Cliffs ones, at least for bio. It definitely helped me to have something to review all in one place.  
Apr 4 2009 1:26PM
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Goku
Posts: 8119 - Karma: 4,223
AP US:
http://www.coursenotes.org/US_History/Outlines/The_American_Pageant_11th_Edition_Textbook

I use this for every review, u really dont have to read if u have this
Apr 4 2009 1:40PM
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PhilboydStudge
Posts: 3431 - Karma: 206
anything for AP Euro?
Apr 4 2009 2:58PM
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An10a_Eng
Posts: 2505 - Karma: 26
just ask your teacher for old ap tests. especially in calc. when i took calc ab our teacher had like 10 old tests which is the best way to study
Apr 4 2009 3:00PM
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Dosh
Posts: 1818 - Karma: 14
i think kaplan has review books for all of that stuff. i see them @ the bookstore in the reference section
Apr 4 2009 3:04PM
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TheButterHashira
Posts: 9691 - Karma: 1,702
I have a cliffsap book for the one ap I'm taking next year(ap chem) just to look through when I have time so I won't forget all the chemistry stuff I learned and to have it for next year. I would say go to the bookstore and look at them and find the one with the best format for you.
Apr 4 2009 3:17PM
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ClownPrince
Posts: 500 - Karma: 10
Maybe you've heard this already, but you'll probably end up saving a lot more money in the long run than you're spending now. I'm a freshman in college this year, and I ended up getting almost a year's worth of credits for the AP's that I took in high school.

It depends a lot on where you go to college and what your major is (none of mine count toward my major, so I'll still be here for at least four years), but they're probably worth it.

The tests suck though, I can't say much to lessen that pain.
Apr 4 2009 3:52PM
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ataraxia
Posts: 903 - Karma: 117
5 steps to a 5 AP Biology. Mcgraw-Hill
im workin through it right now ahah
Apr 4 2009 3:55PM
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ClownPrince
Posts: 500 - Karma: 10
Getting 5s isn't as hard as you would think. I walked out of several tests telling myself I would be happy with a 3, and ended up getting 5s and surprising myself. You'll probably be fine.

Totally agree with the rest of your post, though - I can't even count the number of "the test" lectures I sat through in high school. It almost defeats the purpose of some classes, since you can't be creative or think outside the box at all for fear of failing Collegeboard's standards. The system sucks for sure. But if you learn the material, however you do it, you should be golden.
Apr 4 2009 4:52PM
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JABrecon
Posts: 142 - Karma: 10
I learned almost nothing in my AP Stats class, then bought the Barron's book and studied my ass off. Ended up getting a four, so it can be done. Barron's over-prepares you for essentially every subject, but if you're going to put in the time it's the way to go. Kaplan is much easier and might be better if you don't have the time to study as much.
Good luck
Apr 4 2009 5:16PM
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Mac.
Posts: 953 - Karma: 24
I just finished AP stats and I have like 4 or 5 weeks until the exam.

I have heard most people getting the Princeton review books.  I am not even gong to bother since the stuff is not too bad.
Apr 4 2009 7:38PM
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