<p>Well, the title is self-explanatory. </p>
<p>Here's a bit background on me: </p>
<p>Regular Biology Student
Need a prep book that is comprehensive but concise.</p>
<p>Nothing will guarantee you a 700+. Your score will be a measurement of your determination, innate ability, and, if applicable, ability to estimate.</p>
<p>yea sorry that is a dumb question. but will it help? sure. but there are no guarantees.</p>
<p>Chill, guys. :) </p>
<p>I just wanted some advice. I'm glad that I'm surrounded by such a philosophical bunch of people, but...oh well. Let me restate my situation with an explanation: </p>
<p>I'm a sophmore in a regular Biology class. Although I'm satisfied with the pace and content of the course, I don't think, that by taking the class only, it will be enough to earn me a competitive score on the SAT ii Biology exam. For this, I need additional material. A teacher at school has suggested that I buy a prep book. The teacher feels my concerns are justified, especially since my bio class doesn't specifically cater to take the SAT 2 exam. Unfortunately, the teacher has not recommended a specific book, and my mom only gave me her credit card to use for today. </p>
<p>So, I decide to do some research at CC. I don't want to waste my mom's money on buying an inadequate product. After searching through the SAT ii preparation threads, it has been disputable which SAT ii Biology book was the best, but I found all rave reviews for CliffsAP Bio. There have even been suggestions to use CliffsAP Bio as a study guide for the SAT Bio, which one will not be dissapointed. Well, I'm at a crossroads, now. </p>
<p>You know, guys, I was just wondering if the book lived up to its cred. Foolish of me, I thought I would recieve some good advice here, where I bet a lot of you have been in the same predicament and might be willing to help. I didn't mean the word guarantee as was interpreted. I thought it would serve as a brief explanation for what I was trying to accomplish, a decent score. I would never give anyone on CC such smug replies.</p>
<p>
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I would never give anyone on CC such smug replies.
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</p>
<p>I give smug replies when they're due, whether on CC or otherwise. it seemed pretty clear what u were asking, u asked if a single book could get u a GUARANTEED 700+ score. and thats silly and yes a bit dumb. sorry. it kind of is. u didnt say "decent score" and by the way for a sophomore a decent score would be in 500-600's... and my god honestly i think u can handle a little smugness it happens</p>
<p>But, you don't get it. I see threads all the time at CC phrased like that, no one ever takes them literally. People get the point. I'm not stupid. I know that one book cannot guarantee anything. I'm sorry if you interpret it that way. But, I didn't want to write a post that said, "Hey, look, I'm freakin' smart. I'm a top student in my class. It's a given that my determination and intellect gives me the potential to get a good score, but I want a book that will seal the deal," which, if that's what you want me to say, is true. It's fair to assume that most people at CC are smart and determined. They only need an extra push or resource. Didn't want to shove it in anyone's face. </p>
<p>All I need is advice. I'm not like some people on these board who will take these tests over and over again till they earn a satisfactory score. I don't have money to waste on multiple books I'm only taking the test once and with one book. Also, it doesn't matter if I'm a sophmore or not because colleges will see that score when I apply as a senior, and that's for real. So, yah, of course, I'm shooting for the 600's/700's, so is everyone else on these boards. </p>
<p>Again, thanks for responding to my thread, but criticism is only welcomed when its constructive. That's what makes progress. That's why people come on these boards: to get advice, whether constructive criticism or opinions. There's no need to be testy. :)</p>
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I see threads all the time at CC phrased like that, no one ever takes them literally. People get the point.
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I guess I don't fit that mold. So sue me.</p>
<p>I was about to tell you why you shouldn't by CliffsAP but rather another book that got me an 800 despite a course that only covered about half the material on the SAT II, but I don't think I will now.</p>
<p>Good luck with CliffsAP.</p>
<p>:) Why such bad feelings? I'm trying to be sensible, explaining myself, and all in good-nature, too (don't you see the smiley faces->-> :) ;)), LoL. I apologize. I should've be smarter to think I could ask for advice.
I'm sure not going to beg for it,lol, especially since, theoneo, that's what you were implying "I was about to tell you why you shouldn't by CliffsAP but rather another book that got me an 800 despite a course that only covered about half the material on the SAT II, but I don't think I will now." </p>
<p>Again, thanks for taking the time to respond to this thread, but you haven't helped me, and I'm still in the same position that I initially was. Well, I guess that's life. A lesson learned is a lesson that will not be repeated.</p>
<p>reading campbell front to back will guarantee you a 700+</p>
<p>Yah, but, from what I've read at CC, neoking, I take it that's a type of text book, and text books are expensive. But, thanks for the suggestion. I'm trying to be efficient with money and the quality of the book. I can only buy one.</p>
<p>Eh. I was feeling bitter. Now I'm in a benevolent mood. Whatever.</p>
<p>Kaplan > Princeton Review > Barron's.</p>
<p>Memorize Kaplan and PR and then read through as many books as possible to beef up your generical biology knowledge. Bio isn't just about memorization; it's about applying universal themes (structure = function, parts make up the whole, etc) that you learn through observation and subconscious analysis. Just read as much as you can. I took notes on any bio book I could find. Don't worry about memorization beyond Kaplan and PR.</p>
<p>CliffsAP probably has too much information that you won't need for the SAT II, so don't use it as your primary resource. Read through it after memorizing Kaplan and PR to solidify your general understanding of the subject.</p>
<p>"Campbell" refers to Biology by Neil Campbell, which is universally accepted as the appropriate textbook for intro-level college bio classes and AP bio classes. It's WAY too much information. Skim it for fun if you want but don't memorize it. I read through some parts to review for class tests, as a resource in class projects, and to study for other bio competitions, but not specifically for the SAT II.</p>
<p>Thanx, theonoe. I'm glad there's no hard feelings. In real life, I'm really a good-natured, laid-back type. Thanks, again.</p>
<p>I took the Bio SAT2's 2 years ago, and I was really happy with the Barron's review.</p>