I’m self-studying for AP Psych this year and from what I’ve heard, Barron’s is the way to go, and I’m also reading some other psychology textbooks for my enjoyment in hopes that they will also help me retain more information.
I also heard, though, that the Barron’s Flashcards for AP Psychology are really helpful too, but is it really necessary to get them? Can I still get a 5 with Barron’s AP Psychology with a CD, additional psychology textbooks, and self-motivation?</p>
I self-studied AP Psychology this year. I used 5 Steps to a 5 book plus Barron’s flashcards. I’d say the book was more helpful to me, mostly because I used that first and then just went through the flashcards once. The flashcards are helpful, but they’re not necessary if you read the book a few times. They really just repeat everything that’s in the book, so it’s also a question of which format/type of study method you like. I got a 5. Self-motivation is a big thing because you’re self-studying and there isn’t a teacher that’s going to tell you to do anything; if you can’t discipline yourself, studying on your own won’t work.</p>
You might not be able to answer this, since you used 5 Steps to a 5, but I’m wondering to anyone else, is 5 Steps better, or is Barron’s more helpful?</p>
I think more people have used Barron’s than 5 Steps, but hey, 5 Steps got me a 5, so I was happy with it!</p>
Alrighty, thank you very much!</p>
Oh, also- What edition should I use for taking it in spring 2012?
There are already editions out for 2011-2012 and 2012-2013.</p>
Getting the newest edition possible is the general recommendation.</p>
Just don’t get 2010 editions or 2010/2011, because most of those still have the old MC scoring format in them. I had those for this previous year. The 2011 or 2011/2012 and definitely 2012/2013 books should have it correct.</p>
By that, do you mean for 5 Steps?
Because I’m not sure, but I think Barron’s latest version is the fourth edition. Some sources say it was released in February 2010; is that bad?</p>
I mean that for any book. Some were printed before the changes went through for scoring the MC sections, and they still have that where they say “subtract 1/4 for each wrong MC question”- so just check in the book before you buy it about what they say in the “about the test” section or at the end with the scoring part for the practice exams. </p>
It still works, as far as the information in the books, with the old scoring, but it just isn’t up to date with how they’re actually scored now.</p>
It’s your choice; if you’re fine with the old version, then that’s ok. Some people just want the one that would be correct as to the MC scoring.</p>
How is the Princeton Review book for Psych?</p>
I’ve heard the top for Psych is Barron’s.
Is the CD any use at all?</p>
Barron’s is definitely the most-used book for Psych on CC, that’s for sure. Don’t know about the CD, or PR, haven’t used it.</p>
Ok. I just don’t want to get the CD if it’s useless.</p>
If a prep book comes with a CD, it’s usually more practice tests. It depends- do you think you’ll need more than the 2-3 tests a book usually comes with?</p>
Possibly. I might get the CD since from the place I’m ordering it from, they only sell the CD included version. I’m also going to be self-studying AP statistics… I’ve heard Barron’s is great for that, too.</p>
Yeah, Barron’s is generally great for most subjects, and the practice tests are usually more difficult than the actual test, so they prepare you well.</p>
I used Barron’s (along w/ 5 Steps) but no flashcards. I also read the textbook though so that’s kind of a confounding variable lol but I don’t think flashcards are necessary if you read the book a few times, like others have said</p>
i also want to self study ap psych next year, and i’ve already ordered the barrons book. i’m hope it’s good enough. i might get something else, but i’m glad that a lot of people here say it’s good. :)</p>