<p>Hi, I'm getting ready to start my summer studying plan, which includes studying for the IIC SAT II. I realize that most people here laud Barron's book for its practice tests, but I was wondering if it is also the best for its review sections. I've just completed Precalculus and I've always been pretty decent at math, but going over the sample questions on the College Board's site, it seems that there are a lot of things I've never learned. So it looks like I may need more than a cursory overview. Can anyone here recommend the best book for learning and understanding the concepts tested Math IIC? I'm planning on spending 2 to 3 months of studying, for what it's worth.</p>
<p>I looked over the Sparknotes book, while I was in the bookstore, and in my brief looking-over, its review sections seemed good. But I didn't look too carefully, nor did I get to look at any other IIC books, so I would like to get the opinions of those who have studied the IIC and scored successfully. I'd like to get around the 750 range, a score that this board has made seem exceedingly easy, but I don't know if I can't trust this board as an accurate measure of easiness :)</p>
<p>Barron's is definitely a good study guide to have, especially if you're aiming for a high score. I was accelerated pretty quickly in math, so there were a few things on the test that I had never really gone over in detail. For these topics, Barron's did a very good job. Barron's gives some challenging questions that will overprepare you for the actual exam, just don't take your overall performance or scores too literally - it is much harder. Also, realize that some topics in the book very rarely come up on the real test.</p>
<p>In addition to Barron's, I also had the REA book. It's review section is very brief and is not adequate as a main review book. However, its practice tests are very good and seemed to be close to the difficulty of the real test.</p>
<p>I looked at the Kaplan book a friend had and really didn't like it. It's layout is nice, but there are only two practice tests and MANY ERRORS.</p>
<p>As for Sparknotes, I heard the book is pretty good but less challenging than Barron's. This could be good (more accurate scores on practice tests) or bad (you won't be overprepared). Sparknotes website has some great resources even if you don't buy the book.</p>
<p>The best thing to do is buy the Barron's book and at least one other book that has more realistic practice tests.</p>
<p>Thanks for the great advice :) I've ordered Barron's book off of Amazon, and got the Sparknotes text from the local bookstore. I'll probably go through Sparknotes' review section first, so that I can be prepared for Barron's, while it comes in the mail.</p>
<p>REA (Research & Education Association) is another study guide company. You can find their study guides on Amazon and in some bookstores...it's just lesser-known.</p>
<p>i suggest using barron's. it's study guide is comprehensive, and it's practice tests, although difficult, are excellent. if you're aiming for an 800, go with barron's.</p>
<p>DO NOT under any circumstances use the McGraw Hill book. I should have known from the hillbilly name the book is trash, but..That book has about 20% errors and misprints..and the tests are a joke compared to the real SAT II. Worst book ever. Go with the Pton or the Barrons.</p>
<p>sort of offtopic, but when taking the Barron's test I am consistently missing 8-10 questions, is it that much harder than the actual test that I can hope for an 800? I'm an AP Calc student btw if that matters.</p>
<p>Yes, I remember, when I first started using Barron's, I was getting raw scores of 23. The last practice test and my highest scoring test I took I scored a 750 on Barron's (according to the Sparknotes scale). On the real thing I got 800.</p>
<p>i hated princeton review, in my opinion their math sucks, its all plug and check bs, it consumes WAY too much time and half their staff is 19-24 year olds. PR is way too expensive for tutoring too. Stick with barrons, its the fast the RIGHT way of doing math problems</p>