AP Biology: 5 Steps to a 5

Anyone taking the AP biology test should have this book in their possession. It was great for reviewing sections that i didnt completely grasp in class and was extremely useful in the few weeks leading up to the test in which I did much studing. If you look at the book it lays out several study options for long term studying (year-long), middle length studying(2nd semester only) or a rapid review for reviewing right up to the test. Whether you do well in you class or not, this book will definately help you on the test, covering the key points you need to know for the test.

This book is amazing. I took five AP tests this year, so I only really had time to study for the AP Biology exam the weekend before the Monday morning test. Several weeks before I had taken a practice exam and received a 2, so I knew that I really needed to study. This book focused on the things that were REALLY on the exam. It didn't give all the details that my textbook did or everything I would need to know for my class, but instead focused on what the AP exam would test on. Plus, while I didn't find the author as hilarious as some find him, I found that the more casual tone he took throughout the book made for much easier reading. This was a great blessing as I was reading the book straight through over the course of two days. Don't be frightened away by the study plans that require at least six weeks; if you're in a real crunch reading straight through and then taking the quizzes is okay. I didn't even manage to finish the book (I'm a slow reader), but I got a 5 on the exam!! It certainly helped that I had known a lot about DNA and cells from my Biology class so that his chapters on them were just review, and I would not recommend this book as a miracle worker for getting out of working and studying during the year, but this book is a great way to study for the exam.

AP Classes are hard, and AP Biology is no exception. In fact, Biology is probably one of the hardest AP Science classes/exams of them all, because most of the knowledge is conceptual, and the learning isn't concretely supported. However, have no more fear, "5 Steps To A 5: AP Biology" is here! This is probably one of the most interesting, funniest Standardized Test Prep books I've ever read (believe me, I've read my share of them). Mark Anestis makes everything extremely easy to understand, and doesn't use big, multisyllable words to impress you, nor does he put in useless crap that won't be on the AP Test. He keeps it short and to the point, a very rare trait in test prep books. Not only is the book interesting, but it's also extremely flexible in terms of the review plan. The book tailors your personal preferences and learning capabilities into 3 authentic study plans: A full-year one, a half-year one, and a last-minute (yet still VERY effective) 6-week plan before the test. The practice problems, according to my friends and teacher, are very similar to the ones on the actual AP Exam. With this book, I have gotten 4's and 5's on all of my practice exams I have taken in-class, in this book, and in many other AP Bio test prep books, as well. If you want a 5, get this book immediately.

My teacher bought this book last year for students to check out. I did, and found that it far surpassed the Princeton Review that I had bought. This book is far more thorough, clearly pointing to key concepts and explaining them in easy and helpful ways. It also provided good practice test questions. In a word: it rocked, and I definately give this book some of the credit for my 5 on the AP exam.

I have used this book alot in the past year, sometimes as a main source for information. It is the best study guide out there for AP Biology, as it really teaches you the complex topics, without making you memorize and not learn. Analogies and practical applications make hard concepts remarkably easy to grasp. I would highly reccommend this book to both the A+ student and those who need support. This book is a keeper!