Customer Reviews

5 Steps to a 5 AP Chemistry, 2010-2011 Edition (5 Steps to a 5 on the Advanced Placement Examinations Series)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The "Disappointed" name tag refers to a review on another purchase, and that name tag now shows up on all my reviews. So, I'm not disappointed in this purchase at all -- here's the deal: I bought this book because I was so happy with the other 5 steps to a 5 books that I checked out from my local library (biology, physics, and calculus), that even though my library didn't have the one for chemistry, I decided I had to have it. I am currently reviewing it along with the Cracking the AP Chemistry Exam book from the library, and I am VERY happy I bought this book. The material is covered much better, AND I really like the Rapid Review at the end of each chapter. Between the material just plain being better covered, and the Rapid Review at the end of the chapters (and the practice tests of course), this book has made studying for the AP exam a breeze! Very highly recommended.

Though I haven't tried the Princeton Review book, I do own the Barron's version of AP Prep for Chemistry as well. 5 Steps to a 5 was much more concise than Barron's, which turned out to be ridiculously difficult. This book was great for review and the questions and the rapid review at the end of each chapter were great. The practice tests were also good. If you go through the material thoroughly, you should be fairly well prepared but be ready to use this book to complement your course of study in school, rather than as a self study guide (for that, Barron's is probably better).
All in all, I was really satisfied with my purchase because I ended up with a 5 on the exam!
Good luck!

I took Chem I Honors last year in high school. I was a B/C student in the class. My grades in Chemistry were killing my GPA. I didn't understand my teacher's lectures. I didn't understand my esoteric textbook. I needed help.

I drove to the bookstore to have some hands on time with all the AP Chem review books. I was looking for a book that could give me a easy-to-understand explanation of chemistry.

I flipped through all the review books at the bookstore - Barron's, Princeton, REA, and 5 Steps. After scanning a few pages of 5 Steps, I knew that it was the one.

The content is extremely accessible. There are numerous example problems and a quiz at the end of every chapter, which I found immensely useful. What I liked most was the "Common Mistakes to Avoid" section in each chapter. The two authors, who have over 60 years of teaching experience combined, present a list of common pitfalls to avoid when solving chemistry problems.

Thanks to this book, I went on to nab that A in the final quarter of my chemistry class. And I aced the final exam. If only I found this gem earlier.

It's a great book for preparing for the test. There were a couple of things the book mentioned that the teacher glossed over or omitted. It's also a good review of the material to get you ready. Too bad it can't take the test for my kids! Oh well. Can't have it all.

This book is easy to read and has pretty good organization and practice problems that really helped me when it came to my tests in class. Since I haven't taken the AP test yet, I don't know exactly if it is tailored to it, but still pretty helpful book. Pretty easy to read and simple. However, if you want more detailed explanations, it would probably be best to get another book.

I always get what I order on time and the product is always in great shape. The book that I purchased was just waht I needed to study with and I use it often.

The book came through the mail in perfect condition and it was delivered in a timely manner.