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- Aug 10, 2014
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Those who have taken the OAT and have used Cliff's AP Bio and/or Barron's AP Bio, in your opinion, which book would you recommend if someone were to study Biology and what edition?
I've already used Cliff's (doesn't keep me engaged while studying, too specific and I analyze all the details since I'm analytical) + Ferrali's notes + DatQVault Bio. I've seen Barron's AP Bio (4th edition) and in my opinion, the book resembles Cliff's AP Bio. I'm trying to decide with which one to go with this round: Cliff's or Barron's?
I have used the Kaplan Review Notes book for Biology and honestly I've been recommended to stay away from it as it is too generic. I remember taking the OAT first time, and I used the Kaplan flash cards ONLY for Bio. I scored horrible.
Second round, bio scores went up with Kaplan Review Notes book Bio. Third round, I used Cliff's AP BIO + Ferrali's Notes + DatQVault Bio and my scores dropped by 20 points. Why did my scores drop? Maybe the Bio section on 2nd round vs. 3rd round was easier? Maybe I got lucky? I doubt Kaplan Review Notes book for Bio is a great resource, it seems too generic in my opinion.
This time around, I don't know what to do for Biology. I'm an analytical person and if a specific book is given to me, I analyze all the tiny bits of details, and instead I know that I need to learn the big picture, but I'm having so much trouble in finding out what's the big picture per topic. I have resources for practice questions, I just need something that will help me stay engaged to learn the content first and to actually love bio.
Greatly appreciate your response.
Thanks!
I've already used Cliff's (doesn't keep me engaged while studying, too specific and I analyze all the details since I'm analytical) + Ferrali's notes + DatQVault Bio. I've seen Barron's AP Bio (4th edition) and in my opinion, the book resembles Cliff's AP Bio. I'm trying to decide with which one to go with this round: Cliff's or Barron's?
I have used the Kaplan Review Notes book for Biology and honestly I've been recommended to stay away from it as it is too generic. I remember taking the OAT first time, and I used the Kaplan flash cards ONLY for Bio. I scored horrible.
Second round, bio scores went up with Kaplan Review Notes book Bio. Third round, I used Cliff's AP BIO + Ferrali's Notes + DatQVault Bio and my scores dropped by 20 points. Why did my scores drop? Maybe the Bio section on 2nd round vs. 3rd round was easier? Maybe I got lucky? I doubt Kaplan Review Notes book for Bio is a great resource, it seems too generic in my opinion.
This time around, I don't know what to do for Biology. I'm an analytical person and if a specific book is given to me, I analyze all the tiny bits of details, and instead I know that I need to learn the big picture, but I'm having so much trouble in finding out what's the big picture per topic. I have resources for practice questions, I just need something that will help me stay engaged to learn the content first and to actually love bio.
Greatly appreciate your response.
Thanks!
