<p>I've browsed through a couple in the bookstore and they seem really bare-bones. Would I be able to get a four or a five by only using their books (I've been more or less paying attention in class)? I know that it is impossible for a stranger to predict my AP scores over the internet, so I suppose my point is...are the "Crash Course" books detailed enough?</p>
<p>My friend said that Crash Course was the reason he got a 5 for APUSH. Barron’s helped him out too, but he said the Crash Course was a lot easier to memorize.</p>
<p>^ That’s definitely its appeal to me; I’m really worried that it’s not indepth enough though. Normally I’d also read Barron’s for some more background knowledge to cover some of the more obscure MC questions and to help out on the essays, but I simply have way too little time and way too many AP tests. :(</p>
<p>Which APs are you preparing for? The answer to your question is that it all depends. The APUSH Crash Course book provides a very efficient and well organized compilation of key points. The Chapters on key terms, Supreme Court cases, and key literary works are particularly valuable. I believe that it is definitely sufficient for a 4 and maybe for a 5. If you have time I would supplement the AP US Crash Course book with Amsco. The AP European Crash Course book actually has a great deal of information. So yes, I believe it is sufficient for a 5. The AP US Government Crash Course book totally dominated the just released 2009 AP exam. So yes, it is sufficent for a 5. And finally, the AP Crash Course Psychology book is actually better than Barrons and more than sufficient for a 5. I can’t really judge the other Crash Course books.</p>
<p>I wonder if the big REA books would be just as focused except with more information. I’m tempted to buy one and see. I’m hoping that it’ll be Crash Course except more Barronesque.</p>
<p>^^ Unfortunately, I’m going to be using Crash Coure for AP Bio and AP English (I mostly care about AP Bio).</p>
<p>^ I’m not exactly sure on this because I havent taken AP Bio yet, but I heard the Crash Course book for bio is bad…</p>
<p>What about the AP English book?</p>
<p>Can’t judge the AP English Crash Course book at this time. Not a fan of REA’s Big Books.</p>
<p>Arco’s? Arco’s prep books are amazing…they are worth every penny.</p>
<p>I would recommend them if you are the kind of kid who would be fine with a 4… if you HAVE to have a 5, I’d get something else</p>