<p>Would it be possible to self study AP Bio effectively by May? I plan to start in the first week of November with either a Barron's or Cliff's Review book. Some have even recommended Campbell's Biology, 7th edition, which I have. Is Campbell still effective for the new AP Bio exam? Are Barron's and Cliff's even effective anymore? I hear they changed the exam quite a bit. What's the best way to prep for the new AP Bio exam?</p>
<p>bump
10char</p>
<p>helllloooooooooooo</p>
<p>“it depends”</p>
<p>It depends on: How good you are at biology, how much you like biology, how much free time you have to do this, etc</p>
<p>I took a college-level bio class instead of AP Bio, read nothing but Campbell, never even looked at the test prior, and got a 5. (but I was also USABO silver in 2010 and IBO gold in 2011 so ymmv)</p>
<p>It’s definitely something you can do if you have the motivation. I’m currently in AP Bio and we use the Campbell book, which is pretty comprehensive. Basically, as long as you go slowly enough with the chapters/read them comprehensively and manage to retain that information, you should be fine. I also have the CliffsNotes review book, which I can honestly say I haven’t cracked open much this year, but it is a helpful tool to use to test your knowledge with MC/FR questions.</p>
<p>Hi NSQ! Well, bio and chem are probably my two favorite sciences. I got a 770 on SAT II Bio by using just a prep book (Barron’s SAT II Bio), if that helps. Not that high, but eh. I actually planned to take the USABO Open this year, but I didn’t have time before now to study Campbell. I’m aiming for the 2015 one, though! As of now, I’m studying for my SAT II Math (expect to be done by next month), SAT II Chem/USNCO with Zumdahl (have until May) and AP Calculus BC with a private tutor and a prep book. I’ve calculated that I’ll have about 180 days to finish Zumdahl, Campbell, and the AP Cal BC syllabus. Is 180 days enough to finish at least the AP relevant chapters in Campbell?</p>
<p>Also, is Campbell’s level of depth needed for the new exam? I hear it’s not memorization based anymore. Although, I am planning to take the USABO 2015 Open as I said, so I guess an early start on Campbell couldn’t hurt.</p>