<p>Im self studying for the AP Comp Gov, and I cant find anyone (teachers included) who know anything about this exam. How hard is it? What are the similarities and differences to AP US Gov (besides the actual material) ? What resources do you recommend I use in order to get a 5? </p>
<p>The only knowldege I have to AP Comp Gov presently is what CB has offered.</p>
<p>Other than what the CB offers (especially the “Briefing Papers”), all you need is [this</a> study guide](<a href=“http://apcomparative.home.comcast.net/~apcomparative/]this”>http://apcomparative.home.comcast.net/~apcomparative/).</p>
<p>If you’re taking AP US Gov, that will help with understanding general political terms. My AP US Gov textbook also compared the US system to Britain a lot, and since Britain is one of the countries on the AP comp gov test, there was some overlap there as well. The free response questions on comparative gov are also easier, and the curve seems more generous.</p>
<p>Yeah ive already taken AP US Gov- Ive got that on lock down.
So all I need is the Ethel Wood book, no textbook or anything?</p>
<p>It depends on how deeply you want to learn the subject. If you want to get your 5 and be done, the study guide combined with free College Board materials is sufficient.</p>
<p>If you want more, obviously a textbook won’t hurt, and if I had to suggest one, use this: [Amazon.com:</a> Introduction to Comparative Politics (9780618214464): Mark Kesselman, Joel Krieger, William A. Joseph, Ervand Abrahamian, Christopher S. Allen: Books<a href=“especially%20since%20you%20can%20buy%20it%20used%20for%20$0.27”>/url</a>. FWIW, another member of this forum stated he used that textbook, did the sample tests in the Ethel Wood guide, and received a 5.</p>
<p>A list of textbooks that could also be used can be found here: [url=<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>AP Comparative Government and Politics Course Audit – AP Central | College Board]AP</a> Comparative Government & Politics: Example Textbook List](<a href=“http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Comparative-Politics-Mark-Kesselman/dp/0618214461]Amazon.com:”>http://www.amazon.com/Introduction-Comparative-Politics-Mark-Kesselman/dp/0618214461)</p>
<p>Ok thank you!! Also I already have the Ethel Wood book, but I bought it last year so its the 3rd edition. Is having the 4th edition going to be pertinent for me to get a 5 this year?</p>
<p>Unless they have changed the test format significantly, it shouldn’t affect you too much. There is some current events on the exam, but more in the way that you can use them as examples in the free response. The exam is really easy by the way.</p>
<p>just study from the boook and you’ll do fine</p>