<p>I've been reading the Zumdahl book (self study) and I'm on chapter 12, and I thought there was a lot of unnecessary stuff in the book. I realize that not everything in that book will be on the actual AP exam. I have a 5 steps to a 5 book for ap chem and I thought it had great examples AND it has labs in the back. I was wondering if studying that religiously would be good enough for a 4 or 5.
The AP Physics 5st5 hasn't really been helping me for AP Physics B, but that's because my teacher tests us on stuff that's in the book in addition to the material on the actual AP. Is ap chem just like that?</p>
<p>Well do you know most of chemistry by taking a regular course? Many people discourage self-studying chem b/c there are lot of in depth concepts and labs that people do in school. So I would suggest not to take it if your aiming for a 5, but maybe a 3 is possible through self-studying. Still it’s up to you, and I would suggest to maybe get barrons after you finish 5 steps, but make sure you have time.</p>
<p>its always better to learn more than the required information than just the bare minimum. And no review book should take the place of actual text. Zumdahl is great for chem too…</p>
<p>I agree with Harvey. Of course there’s going to be stuff not on the exam in the text book, it’s not an AP Chemistry book. Some topics aren’t taught because you simply don’t need to know it but the extra information given on the topics that you do need to know are helpful. </p>
<p>I would not advise you to rely only on one review to self study. If you don’t want to learn through the textbook then get two or three books and learn through that.</p>