Customer Reviews

How to Prepare for the AP Biology (Barron's AP Biology)

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

...you have already checked out the Princeton Review and Cliffsnotes books. Much of the material is presented in an extremely comprehensive organized manner, with GREAT diagrammatical representations (fancy for "picures"), especially for Cell Respiration. I KNOW that people have various learning styles, so be sure to check out the P.R. and Cliffs books. P.R. is more "in your face" (with their aggressive test-taking strategies, etc.) tailored with humor so if you are that kind of learner, then go with the Princeton Review. Cliffsnotes has some of the best review sections, with great diagrams as well. Barron's has no humor in their books, and takes a more "plain-ol'-science approach", while offering the best organization on the market. Another great thing about this book is FOUR practice exams at the end of the book BUT they arent written in College Board format, though it contains pretty similar content. Just keep these pointers in mind when choosing what book to help you ace the AP exam. Peace and good luck

I started off the year with a pretty bad average, probably worse than my other classes. I had been reading just out of the textbook and not using and supplements. After struggling for half of a year and a midterm, I decided that it was time to buy a review book, and this was the one that I got. Within a month my grades showed tremendous improvement, and I was enjoying the class much more. By the time of the AP I was once again on top of my game and got a top grade on it. I recommend this book to everyone, just don't make the same mistake I made and wait half of a year

I'm typically a pretty poor science student, and at first, this class was extremely difficult for me to get through. It was quite a struggle,and I could not see myself doing well on the AP test. However, after getting this book, I found the class to be easier if I first read the textbook,and then the review book. It simplifies many things and explains it at a less complex level before diving into the details. Over time, I found myself understanding even the most difficult subjects. It was a great help to me, and, in the end, I did much better on the AP test than I expected, in most part due to this book.

I got this book along with my other AP subject books thinking I would use them throughout the year as a supplement. Well, the AP BIO one is the only one I ended up using and it has helped me TREMENDOUSLY! My teacher knows what is on the AP exam and although her classes don't really reflect that, her tests do and I know for sure if I had just read my textbook, I would've failed all the tests. Reading the concise yet informative chapters in this review guide is the best way to prepare for the tests AND for the exam because Barron's makes it easy to understand! I would recommend this to everyone...not just for the exam but also as a supplement during the year!

This review book was extremely helpful to me while i was in AP Bio. It clearly outlines all important topics and gives great examples for any hard-to-understand subjects. Ms. Goldberg has an excellent grasp of the AP Bio exam and sufficiently prepares any bio student with this book. The practice questions after each chapter and the practice tests at the end of the book are also very effective. It's an overall great book!

its good, more of a challenge you get to be more prepared, not as simple as cliffs, but more detailed i think, ok diagrams,cliffs is better i think, but this will probably get you more prepared for the exam. Some mistakes so beware! (pg 50 # 25 is D but they say something else) also mistake in another place but i don't remember. i recommend this over cliffs.

I cannot stress how important this review book was in order for me to get a 5 on my AP biology exam in May 2007. I am not even exaggerating...I started studying biology in April. I am an extreme procrastinator, as you can see, and I really freaked out because I realized that I have not learned anything. In case you are wondering, I was able to push off studying until April because my teacher was...well, incompetent. In April I started trying to read the textbook but obviously that is foolish. My teacher recommended Cliff's, which I got, but it was not that good. Barron's really TAUGHT me every detail and every fact. It's like a reduced textbook. It's excellent.

The writing is much clearer than two other review books that I had first borrowed from friends before I decided on the Barrons' book. Secondly, it has many more graphics than the other books I looked at and they are extremely helpful. I'm expecting to get a "5" on the exam and I think this book will make it that much easier to prepare do that.

One more thing: the book has the best set of practice questions that I've seen.

This book was so helpful for me. I bought it for summer review and it was SO worth it. Unlike text books it gets right to the point and it was very easy to use and read. I haven't tooken my IB test yet but I know I will use this book for studying!

Very good prep, you will probably get a 3 or 4 just reading this book cover to cover. It has good uncomplicated review. If possible buy Cliffs too and use both. They go hand in hand.