A Student's Analysis of AP Chemistry Preparation Books -- by Lily Xie
(Updated June, 1997)
Barron's AP Chemistry $13.95 (630 pages)
Barron's Tests:
2 diagnostic tests
3 practice tests		 Strengths:
Lots of examples
Very thorough review of content
Helps you with AP class
Organization:
Diagnostic
6 Chapters
Test after each chapter
...with answers & explanations
Glossary 		Weaknesses:
Tedious; practically another textbook
(treat you as if you've never taken chemistry)
Unfocused
Sometimes very confusing
Princeton Review's
Cracking the AP Chemistry		 $16.95 (326 pages)
Princeton Review Tests:
1 practice test		 Strengths:
Good tips & strategies
(ex: don't answer all questions,
...you can skip every third & still get a 5)
Concise, clear
Free online support
Organization:
Overview of what's on AP test
(tips, what the graders look for)
15 chapters with tests
& essay questions after each topic 		Weaknesses:
Few examples & sample
problems for review
REA's Chemistry Builder $14.95 (641 pages)
Chemistry Builder Tests:
2 mini tests		 Strengths:
Lots of practice on
multiple choice questions
Organization:
15 Chapters
Each chapter consist of:
--diagnostic test
--reviews and drills
--glossary
2 mini tests 		Weaknesses:
No practice AP Chemistry test
Doesn't prepare for AP essays,
...free response & equations
Cliff's AP Chemistry
Preparation Guide		 $12.95 (404 pages)
Cliff's Notes Tests:
1 practice test		 Strengths:
Lots of practice on
diversified questions
Organization:
Strategies for each section on AP test
Mathematical Operations
11 topics covered, including
...multiple choice & essay questions
...on each topic 		Weaknesses:
No review. The book expects you
...to know terms, formulas
REA's AP Chemistry $16.95 (420 pages)
Tests:
6 practice tests		 Strengths:
6 practice tests to boost your confidence
Organization:
12 topics under
4 Chapters
 Weaknesses:
Limited reviews & examples
...on each topic
ARCO's AP Chemistry $14.00 (211 pages)
ARCO AP Chemistry Tests:
None		 Strengths:
Charts & graphs
to reinforce memory
Organization:
Part I - 8 chapters for review
Part II - Multiple choice questions
...for each topic
Part III - Free response questions
...& equations, essays
 Weaknesses:
No test after each topic
Confusing sometimes
Recommendations
  1. Don't just look at the number of pages in each book, look for quality materials.
  2. Each book has its own strengths, you and a friend can share 2 different books.
  3. Buy these books as early as possible, they can also help you with the class.

Return