Is It Okay to Use Old(er) Textbooks?

[Dr Lyss]

I'm getting ready to start med school & i recently bought a bunch of books from a 3rd year student for a pretty decent deal (I hope - most of the books were $10). My only concern is that some of these books are older editions. Some are over 10 years old. Is it okay to use older books as study tools and references? Do I need the newer editions?

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[Random Anesthesiologist]

most info isn't going to change that rapidly (except maybe genetics), but I would stick to being only 1 edition behind when using old textbooks to be on the safe side.

But kudos - it's an excellent way to save $$. Check out your library too.

 

[beyondbethany]

I'm getting ready to start med school & i recently bought a bunch of books from a 3rd year student for a pretty decent deal (I hope - most of the books were $10). My only concern is that some of these books are older editions. Some are over 10 years old. Is it okay to use older books as study tools and references? Do I need the newer editions?

I just did the same thing - bought a good load of books for about $10 each as well. I have been told that for subjects like embryo and anatomy (book editions do not change too much), this is a pretty safe bet.

I would warn anyone that goes this route to know what you are buying, esp which edition is the most current and its published date. I got sandbagged with a 12 yr old neuroscience textbook - he kind of slipped that one past me. I'm not to upset, it was only $10.

 

[bcat85]

You can also use no books if you wish. I used very few freshman year. I would advise not buying them ahead of time.

 

[bodonid]

just a heads up- if you are planning on doing this for textbooks fine- but the newer review books are MUCH BETTER. I have editions of BRS a couple of years out of date and they have wayyy too much info, and the format is horrible, etc. Same goes for the other review books. Don't go more than 1 edition back, and get the newer edition if possible.

 

[Dr Lyss]

just a heads up- if you are planning on doing this for textbooks fine- but the newer review books are MUCH BETTER. I have editions of BRS a couple of years out of date and they have wayyy too much info, and the format is horrible, etc. Same goes for the other review books. Don't go more than 1 edition back, and get the newer edition if possible.

darn... there are def a good number of subject review books that are 1-2 editions out of date.


This would be much easier if my school gave me a book list