<p>Does anyone know the specific ASMCO USH book everyone is referring to? Froogle shows a number of ASMCO USH books ( amsco</a> us history - Google Product Search ). I'm going to assume it is the "Review" book, but I'm not going to buy anything without a confirmation. By the way, thanks OP, this is a great thread. The number of review books out there is intimidating, this really narrows the list down.</p>
<p>EDIT: Oh, and if anyone answers my question, could you also PM me?</p>
<p>It's the review one and the book is red white and blue, it's actually not too expensive right now on amazon.</p>
<p>Biology - Kaplan
Math 2 - Kaplan/CB
Chemistry - Princeton</p>
<p>use sparksnotes for all...</p>
<p>its called United States History published by AMSCO and is actually prep for the AP exam... it's really good, highly recommend</p>
<p>APUSH: If you don't have AMSCO, I found Kaplan SAT II and PR AP US to be really helpful</p>
<p>i think princeton review is really good for both math 1 and 2</p>
<p>How many people would agree that Chem II is best prepared with Princeton?</p>
<p>LEGEND</p>
<p>A - Accurate practice tests.
B - Good for learning material you don't know.
C - Easy to read and understand.
D - Not a lot of superfluous material.
E - Teacher recommendation.
F - Slightly harder than the real thing. (Write F+ if it's a lot harder than the real thing)
G - Good practice questions (outside of the practice tests)
H - A lot of practice tests (more than 4)</p>
<p>English Literature:</p>
<p>U.S. History:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Sparknotes Review Book with 3 Online Tests (A,C,D)
Great for last week review and refresh.
Recommender's score: 790.</p></li>
<li><p>Princeton Review (AP) (G)
Great prep for the SAT II (some identical questions!)</p></li>
<li><p>Kaplan (A, B, C, D, G)
Read it cover to cover a week before the exam and felt really prepared. It really helps for stuff you didn't cover in class.
Recommender's score: 790.</p></li>
<li><p>AMSCO (AP) (B, C, E)
It is the most conversational textbook-ish thing I've ever read. Amazing at reviewing material. The practice tests are helpful for review, even though they are AP practice tests. Note: The recommender for this book is the same as the one for the Barron's book.
Recommender's score: 800.</p></li>
<li><p>Barron's (F+, H)
This book is MUCH harder than the real thing, and the recommender got 30-40 mistakes on each practice test despite getting an 800 for the actual test. Use if if you want to be very well prepared, but do not fret over a bad score, because it is highly inaccurate. Note: The recommender for this book is the same as the one for the AMSCO book.
Recommender's score: 800.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>World History:</p>
<ul>
<li>Princeton Review (A, B, C, G)
This book is awesome because it covers everything in a comprehensive, easy to read, and cohesive review.
Recommender's score: 800.</li>
</ul>
<p>Mathematics Level 1:
- Princeton Review-C, D, E (Covers everything for this test, and is easy to read)</p>
<p>Mathematics Level 2:</p>
<ul>
<li>Barron's (E, F+) Rec 2: (F+, H)
Almost everyone uses it and my teacher recommends it, even though it's COMPLETELY unrealistic (because it's a lot harder). But, because it's so much harder, it prepares you wonderfully, and the real thing is a breeze.
Recommender 2's comment: Very much harder than the real thing, but with 8 practice tests.
Recommender 2's score: 800.</li>
</ul>
<p>Biology E:</p>
<p>Biology M:</p>
<ul>
<li>Princeton Review (A, C, D) Rec 2: (B, C, D, F, G)</li>
</ul>
<p>Chemistry:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Barron's (B, E) Rec 2: (A, C)
1: The practice tests are nothing like the real thing, but the book is still a good review of EVERYTHING in high school chem.
2: Some extra information, but not too much.
Recommender's score: 800.</p></li>
<li><p>Princeton Review (A, B, G) Rec 2: (B, C)
Recommender's score: 770.
Recommender 2's comment: Lacks some information, and is extremely brief and easy. However, it's good to use to learn material you don't know. The third practice test contains a lot of material that was not covered by the book, and is thus very difficult. This book isn't enough for someone who wants to get an 800.
Recommender 2's score: 760.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Physics:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Barron's (A, B, C, D)
Practice tests were somewhat different from the actual, but in general still good preparation. Little superfluous material, however preparation in some parts is on the scarce side.</p></li>
<li><p>Kaplan (B, C)
Good for acquiring a general knowledge of previously unknown material, however the Princeton Review book is required for more in-depth knowledge. Practice tests are much easier than the real thing.</p></li>
<li><p>Princeton Review (A)
Explanation of concepts is hard to understand, but practice tests are extremely accurate, although there aren't many of them.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Chinese with Listening:</p>
<p>French:</p>
<ul>
<li>Princeton Review (A, B, C, D, G)
The French exam is very centered on grammar, so a lot of the book is focused on that, which makes it a bit dull and boring. However, the practice tests were extremely accurate.
Recommender's score: 760 (but on the listening exam...)</li>
</ul>
<p>French with Listening:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Princeton Review (A, C, G)
The book includes a very short and unhelpful section for students who will take the listening exam, but at least they tried. The book is good for the reading-based portion of the exam.
Recommender's score: 760.</p></li>
<li><p>Barron's (B, C)
This book includes a CD for the listening section, however it has its drawbacks. The same people were used for all the clips on the CD, which is bad because you get used to their voices. This could make you have to strain to listen to the people for the real test. It's better than nothing, though.
Recommender's score: 760.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>German:</p>
<p>German with Listening:</p>
<p>Spanish:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Barron's (A, C, D, H)
Slightly inaccurate practice tests, but the fact that there are many of them compensates for this.</p></li>
<li><p>Kaplan (B+, E, G)
The book is extremely organized and in-depth so it is more for learning rather than for reviewing. Regardless, it gives in-depth lessons and explanation of grammatical rules (very important in Spanish). Tons of great practice questions, as well as a great diagnostic test. My score went from a 650 to a 740 with this book.
Recommender's score: 740.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Spanish with Listening:</p>
<ul>
<li>Barron's (A, C, D)
See comments for Spanish without listening.</li>
</ul>
<p>Modern Hebrew:</p>
<p>Italian:</p>
<p>Latin:</p>
<p>Japanese with Listening:</p>
<p>Korean with Listening:</p>
<p>Listening tests in general:</p>
<ul>
<li>The Official Study Guide for all SAT Subject Tests by the College Board (A, H)
This book is great for the listening tests because it has CDs for all the subjects, and all the exams are taken from previous years. However, it cannot be used for studying because it consists only of practice tests.</li>
</ul>
<p>All tests in general:</p>
<ul>
<li>The Official Study Guide for all SAT Subject Tests by the College Board (A, H)
Great practice tests for all the exams. However, there is nothing more in the book except practice tests (one per subject).</li>
</ul>
<p>that was an awesome post! thanks.</p>
<p>A very helpful post, az1698. How does the Princeton World History stack up to Barron's?</p>
<p>Haha, I can't take credit for that. Its a compilation of posts by a ton of people, first compiled by RockerMcr</p>
<p>
[QUOTE]
How does the Princeton World History stack up to Barron's?
[/QUOTE]
</p>
<p>I used both, and I found them equally helpful. The Barron's has more facts and is better for getting a higher score but the Princeton Review is easier to read. A combination of both would be really good though. In my own case, I had only taken AP Euro and then took the World History Sat II and got a 730, although that was partly because I did not finish the review books. I think that if you use both you will get a 750+ easily.</p>
<p>All right. I think I'll do what you did, then, and use both.</p>
<p>LEGEND</p>
<p>A - Accurate practice tests.
B - Good for learning material you don't know.
C - Easy to read and understand.
D - Not a lot of superfluous material.
E - Teacher recommendation.
F - Slightly harder than the real thing. (Write F+ if it's a lot harder than the real thing)
G - Good practice questions (outside of the practice tests)
H - A lot of practice tests (more than 4)</p>
<p>English Literature:</p>
<p>U.S. History:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Sparknotes Review Book with 3 Online Tests (A,C,D)
Great for last week review and refresh.
Recommender's score: 790.</p></li>
<li><p>Princeton Review (AP) (G)
Great prep for the SAT II (some identical questions!)</p></li>
<li><p>Kaplan (A, B, C, D, G)
Read it cover to cover a week before the exam and felt really prepared. It really helps for stuff you didn't cover in class.
Recommender's score: 790.</p></li>
<li><p>AMSCO (AP) (B, C, E)
It is the most conversational textbook-ish thing I've ever read. Amazing at reviewing material. The practice tests are helpful for review, even though they are AP practice tests. Note: The recommender for this book is the same as the one for the Barron's book.
Recommender's score: 800.
A lot of people at my school use this book. However most people in general do not take the APUSH test because it is mad long. </p></li>
<li><p>Barron's (F+, H)
This book is MUCH harder than the real thing, and the recommender got 30-40 mistakes on each practice test despite getting an 800 for the actual test. Use if if you want to be very well prepared, but do not fret over a bad score, because it is highly inaccurate. Note: The recommender for this book is the same as the one for the AMSCO book.
Recommender's score: 800.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>World History:</p>
<ul>
<li>Princeton Review (A, B, C, G)
This book is awesome because it covers everything in a comprehensive, easy to read, and cohesive review.
Recommender's score: 800.</li>
</ul>
<p>Mathematics Level 1:
- Princeton Review-C, D, E (Covers everything for this test, and is easy to read)</p>
<p>Mathematics Level 2:</p>
<ul>
<li>Barron's (E, F+) Rec 2: (F+, H)
Almost everyone uses it and my teacher recommends it, even though it's COMPLETELY unrealistic (because it's a lot harder). But, because it's so much harder, it prepares you wonderfully, and the real thing is a breeze.
Recommender 2's comment: Very much harder than the real thing, but with 8 practice tests.
Recommender 2's score: 800.</li>
</ul>
<p>Biology E/M: (this should be combined)</p>
<ul>
<li>Princeton Review (A, C, D) Rec 2: (B, C, D, F, G) Rec 3: (me: A, B, C, D)
Recommender's score (by 3+ people) 730, 800, 800
Yeah I didn't listen to my guy friends and screwed this book over. Shouldn't have done that. They both got 800s and said this is the only book you need. </li>
</ul>
<p>Chemistry:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Barron's (B, E) Rec 2: (A, C)
1: The practice tests are nothing like the real thing, but the book is still a good review of EVERYTHING in high school chem.
2: Some extra information, but not too much.
Recommender's score: 800.</p></li>
<li><p>Princeton Review (A, B, G) Rec 2: (B, C)
Recommender's score: 770.
Recommender 2's comment: Lacks some information, and is extremely brief and easy. However, it's good to use to learn material you don't know. The third practice test contains a lot of material that was not covered by the book, and is thus very difficult. This book isn't enough for someone who wants to get an 800.
Recommender 2's score: 760.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Physics:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Barron's (A, B, C, D)
Practice tests were somewhat different from the actual, but in general still good preparation. Little superfluous material, however preparation in some parts is on the scarce side.</p></li>
<li><p>Kaplan (B, C)
Good for acquiring a general knowledge of previously unknown material, however the Princeton Review book is required for more in-depth knowledge. Practice tests are much easier than the real thing.</p></li>
<li><p>Princeton Review (A)
Explanation of concepts is hard to understand, but practice tests are extremely accurate, although there aren't many of them.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Chinese with Listening:</p>
<p>French:</p>
<ul>
<li>Princeton Review (A, B, C, D, G)
The French exam is very centered on grammar, so a lot of the book is focused on that, which makes it a bit dull and boring. However, the practice tests were extremely accurate.
Recommender's score: 760 (but on the listening exam...)</li>
</ul>
<p>French with Listening:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Princeton Review (A, C, G)
The book includes a very short and unhelpful section for students who will take the listening exam, but at least they tried. The book is good for the reading-based portion of the exam.
Recommender's score: 760.</p></li>
<li><p>Barron's (B, C)
This book includes a CD for the listening section, however it has its drawbacks. The same people were used for all the clips on the CD, which is bad because you get used to their voices. This could make you have to strain to listen to the people for the real test. It's better than nothing, though.
Recommender's score: 760.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>German:</p>
<p>German with Listening:</p>
<p>Spanish:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>Barron's (A, C, D, H)
Slightly inaccurate practice tests, but the fact that there are many of them compensates for this.</p></li>
<li><p>Kaplan (B+, E, G)
The book is extremely organized and in-depth so it is more for learning rather than for reviewing. Regardless, it gives in-depth lessons and explanation of grammatical rules (very important in Spanish). Tons of great practice questions, as well as a great diagnostic test. My score went from a 650 to a 740 with this book.
Recommender's score: 740.</p></li>
</ul>
<p>Spanish with Listening:</p>
<ul>
<li>Barron's (A, C, D)
See comments for Spanish without listening.</li>
</ul>
<p>Modern Hebrew:</p>
<p>Italian:</p>
<p>Latin:</p>
<p>Japanese with Listening:</p>
<p>Korean with Listening:
Cho Insook's and the the other one with the tape ::forgetting::
From experience if you're fluent, listening is a breeze. Just remember to jot a few notes down so you don't forget. There are actually only two and so... use them both?
ACG for both books
Listening tests in general:</p>
<ul>
<li>The Official Study Guide for all SAT Subject Tests by the College Board (A, H)
This book is great for the listening tests because it has CDs for all the subjects, and all the exams are taken from previous years. However, it cannot be used for studying because it consists only of practice tests.</li>
</ul>
<p>All tests in general:</p>
<ul>
<li>The Official Study Guide for all SAT Subject Tests by the College Board (A, H)
Great practice tests for all the exams. However, there is nothing more in the book except practice tests (one per subject).</li>
</ul>
<p>how is the kaplan sat II biology?</p>
<p>horrible!!!!! don't get that! (it's so wrong and too easy)</p>
<p>How is Kaplan's for Chemistry?</p>
<p>The Kaplan's for Biology is sooooo long, and with so much superfluous information, its a huge waste of time. Go for Barron's.</p>
<p>which one is better for sat bio?
barrons or princeton review??</p>
<p>PRINCETON REVIEW. Both my guy friends got 800s. I didn't listen to them. That's the only book you need. Then do as many practice tests as you can get your hands on.</p>
<p>which is better for math 2? barrons or PR? Or should I just get both? I know Barron's overprepares you, but that can be a bad thing. I want the closest thing to the actual test.</p>