how reliable/effective is NOVA physics?

[aspiring20]

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I have a weak physics background, so i am working cover to cover with NOVA physics in order to get a solid grasp of content.

I am on the 5th chapter of NOVA right now, and I am absolutely loving it. The concepts are presented in such a clear manner that I am actually enjoying physics right now. I also like the fact that the book covers just about everything while keeping things concise and leaving out unnecessary material.

I understand that the book lacks MCAT-style physics passages (other than 1-3 passages at the end of each chapter that are, tbh, quite easy), but my primary purpose is simply getting the physics down. after doing every problem in NOVA, i plan on going through EK 1001 physics cover to cover as well.

will relying on NOVA physics for content be enough? Does the book cover all the areas in adequate depth? I just want to achieve a great understanding of all the physics areas covered, i'll get my passage fix elsewhere!

thanks and happy holidays everyone.

 

[SN2ed]

I figured I'd expand on my answer here.

I'd still vote for BR or TPRH (with the workbook). Content review is important, however, it's more important that you practice applying what you learn. It's easy to read a book or watch a lecture and follow along going, "oh I have this down." Yet when you're forced to apply it, you can't do it because your grasp of the material isn't as strong as you thought. Furthermore, applying what you learn helps make the topic stick. Lastly, it's not as if BR or TPRH are bad in terms of content review.

 

[aspiring20]

I figured I'd expand on my answer here.

I'd still vote for BR or TPRH (with the workbook). Content review is important, however, it's more important that you practice applying what you learn. It's easy to read a book or watch a lecture and follow along going, "oh I have this down." Yet when you're forced to apply it, you can't do it because your grasp of the material isn't as strong as you thought. Furthermore, applying what you learn helps make the topic stick. Lastly, it's not as if BR or TPRH are bad in terms of content review.

i see

i am taking a princeton review prep course in february leading up to my may test. so i will have access to all the TPRH materials. my goal is to thoroughly finish all content review before the prep class, so i can use the prep class to focus on passages, strategies, and doing necessary content reviews.

there are 49 passages in the NOVA book, what are your opinions on those? do they do an adequate job simulating real MCAT passages in terms of wording and difficulty?

 

[SN2ed]

Content review and practice passages really go hand in hand and compliment each other. Also, taking practice passages is, in a sense, content review except that you're actively using your knowledge. It becomes more like content review when you thoroughly analyze everything afterwards.

Anyway, Nova's practice material is usually considered adequate. However, more and more people have been using other resources for passages with little mention of how Nova stacks up to the current MCAT.

 

[mr chievous]

Content review and practice passages really go hand in hand and compliment each other. Also, taking practice passages is, in a sense, content review except that you're actively using your knowledge. It becomes more like content review when you thoroughly analyze everything afterwards.

Anyway, Nova's practice material is usually considered adequate. However, more and more people have been using other resources for passages with little mention of how Nova stacks up to the current MCAT.

Agreed.

My PS averages have been in the 12-13 range due to TPR. TBR would be my second choice, with Nova being the third.