<p>For Chem 1A, the required readings section shows that we have to have a custom package w/owl. Now I know that we have to buy some online program, but could we buy the book and the online program separately? and where (online program)? Because buying them separately is much cheaper than the bookstore price.</p>
<p>And for Math 1A, I can't find the custom book anywhere except the Cal store. So, if I were to order it from the store now, would I pick it up when I arrive? Or are there other places to buy these "custom" books that we can buy them after move-in day?</p>
<p>Amazon also sells it. You could also try half.com</p>
<p>Can anybody clarify whether the Amazon version allows you to customize your purchase option? On the OWL website it asks you what book you are using for the textbook.</p>
<p>Please buy your lower-div pre-req texts used (or better yet, borrow them from other students)–you’ll never use them again, I promise. You’ll have to purchase OWL (and the lab notebook/manual) yourself, but the Chem 1A and Math 1A books are often available used online (sign up for Amazon Student Prime if you take that route), at the ASUC (campus) bookstore, and at Ned’s (the off-campus bookstore across the street).</p>
<p>I think I bought it for ~80 dollars or so, but I didn’t even open it once. Still ended up with an A in the class. If you’ve had prior chemistry experience from high school, don’t spend $200 on the textbook for Chem 1A (assuming that’s the same one for Fall '11).</p>
<p>Edit- I’d also like to add that the internet is a FANTASTIC resource. You can find virtually everything from the text (and material covered in Chem 1A) online. Reading the text was definitely not necessary to do well.</p>
<p>Second the recommendation to not buy the Chem 1A book. Bought the bundle new (from the ASUC bookstore, no less!) as a silly freshman and ultimately back the book unopened (after receiving an A+ in the course–I wish more Cal professors offered A+'s…) for 50% of what I’d paid for it. Burning $$ ftl.</p>