Cliff's AP Bio or Schaum's Bio

[xylem29]

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I know, before I get grilled on using search - I did and couldn't find anything helpful, or maybe I'm just too lazy to look for through the results 😳

So does anyone have anything to say about these two books? For someone who needs a little more than just a breezy review (for plants, I'm learning it new), which book would you recommend? I guess my main question is: Which book best prepares you for the plant questions on the DAT? Is one book too general?

 

[mddang]

You're only going to get 1 or 2 plant questions at most. Definitely learn about plant classification.


It never hurts to use multiple sources so you can cross reference.

 

[Lazerous]

You're only going to get 1 or 2 plant questions at most. Definitely learn about plant classification.


It never hurts to use multiple sources so you can cross reference.

What are the majority of the bio questions on the DAT about then? Will Cliff's AP prepare you for them?

 

[kush87]

I. Cell and Molecular Biology (13)
A. Origin of Life
B. Cell metabolism (including
photosynthesis)/ Enzymology
C. Cellular Processes
D. Thermodynamics
E. Organelle structure and function
F. Mitosis/ Meiosis
G. Cell structure
H. Experimental cell biology
II. Diversity of Life: Biological Organization
and Relationship of Major Taxa (Five-
Kingdom System) (3)
A. Monera
B. Plantae
C. Animalia
D. Protista
E. Fungi
F. Etc
IV. Developmental Biology (4)
A. Fertilization
B. Descriptive embryology
C. Developmental mechanisms
D. Experimental embryology
V. Genetics (7)
A. Molecular genetics
B. Human genetics
C. Classical genetics
D. Chromosomal genetics
E. Genetic technology
VI. Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior (4)
A. Natural Selection
B. Population genetics/Speciation
C. Cladistics
D. Population and community ecology
E. Ecosystems
F. Animal behavior (including social)
III. Structure and Function of Systems (9)
A. Integumentary
B. Skeletal
C. Muscular
D. Circulatory
E. Immunological
F. Digestive
G. Respiratory
H. Urinary
I. Nervous/senses
J. Endocrine
K. Reproductive

 

[xylem29]

I guess my real question is - I have heard that Kaplan's Blue is too general when covering ecology and plants and does not prepare you adequately for the DAT.

So does anyone have any opinions/experience as to whether Cliff's or Schaum's is better to fill in the Kaplan gaps?

 

[xylem29]

bump

 

[Neuro178]

I really like Cliffs AP Bio. I found it really easy to read and very understandable. It wasn't overly detailed, as some say Schaum's is, but it is more in-depth than Kaplan. Personally, I love the book and would recommend it. It's not too long or expensive. Haven't read Schaums, so I don't know. See if you can get it from a library to check it out first. My college uses EZ-Borrow so you can borrow books from other schools. A good idea if you're not sure whether you want to shell out the cash or not.

 

[doc3232]

I found AP Cliffs to be good, I haven't seem Shaums yet though.
AP Cliffs complemented with Campbell's is great.
Surprised no one has asked you yet: Pharm student taking DAT?
career change?