<p>I'm looking into review books for next year because I want to have the book throughout the year as a supplement to the class. My AP's next year are:</p>
<p>-Calc AB
-World History
-US Gov't
-Bio</p>
<p>Between the three books (Barron's, Princeton Review and 5 Steps to a 5) which book is better for which classes?</p>
<p>Calculus AB: I would recommend using BOTH Barron’s and Princeton Review. If you have a great textbook with good exercises, you can throw out PR. Barron’s: harder, briefer, better exercises, worse explanations. PR: easier/same as AP level, better teacher. If you can do well with the Barron’s book, you can get a 5. Also, keep the Barron’s book if you plan on doing Calc BC next year, they are both 2 in 1 prep books. I recommend using a library or Half.com, don’t buy it full price.</p>
<p>I heard Princeton Review is the best for US Gov. It’s what I’ll be using to self-study.</p>
<p>I used Princeton Review for World History and, despite us not getting very far in the class, I managed a 4. It was written in an easy-to-read way, but I can’t really vouch for the practice tests; I never had time to do them. The 2013 book still had A-E options, despite the actual exam only having A-D. I’m taking Calc AB and US Gov next year as well, so I’m interested in the recommendations for those. (And Physics C: Mech + Music Theory, but I don’t want to steal your thread)</p>
<p>I use 5 steps to a 5 for bio (2012 version) and world and got 5’s but it seems like everyone uses something else so maybe I’m just a weirdo.</p>
<p>I used PR for Calculus AB, and it was great for explanations and practice problems within sections. It was really helpful when reviewing. The Multiple Choice section of practice tests was sufficient, but the FRQ section was definitely easier than the real AP test. However, that problem isn’t significant - you have like 20 released FRQs on CB website. I looked at Barron’s and really didn’t like it… it was hard to follow. </p>
<p>Of the three choices for AP Gov, I’d go with PR. However, I’ve heard REA Crash Course is actually the best for AP Gov, so if you’re willing to branch out I’d try that. It’s what I plan to buy. </p>
<p>Haven’t taken Bio or World, and don’t plan to, so no advice on those really. I’ve heard Cliffs notes was good for AP Bio but not sure if that holds true with the redesigned test.</p>
<p>For Calculus AB/BC, I’m using Barron. Everyone seems to say that the problems are harder, so they really prep you for the test. Using Barron’s alone isn’t sufficient, so you’ll need a textbook. Anything by Thomas and Finney will do. Early Transcendental Functions by Smith is also helpful.</p>
<p>For bio, Barron’s is a bit of overkill, but it lacks in some areas. Use either Campbell Biology or another prep book to supplement. I hear Cliffs Notes is nice.
Keep in mind that the new bio test focuses more on critical thinking and the scientific method rather than memorization of very specific details. </p>
<p>For the others, I have no idea.</p>