Cracking the AP Chemistry, 2002-2003 Edition

This was a truly amazing book and a highly recommend it for anyone looking to get a 5 on the AP test. The review sections are extremely extensive and concise, giving you only the information you need to get a 5, and nothing more. There is a test at the end of the each chapter, about 15-30 questions long (a perfect lenght) with free response questions and essay questions for the material if they apply. This was EXTREMELY helpful in my preparation, and I suggest you review the chapters and their tests twice, as I did. The free response questions are so similar to the ones found on the real AP test that the AP free response section was a BREEZE for me! Although the multiple choice in the book was not extraordinary similar to the one on the AP test, all of the ideas and concepts and reasoning was the same, and the multiple choice was not at all a challenge. Princeton Review stresses so many of the same ideas that appear on the test, I was truly amazed and remember thinking "Well, I'm glad Princeton Review went over this concept a million times!" or "Good thing Princeton Review really got that stuck into my mind." This book my only study guide, and I used it very well, having been in a chemistry class with a horrible teacher. I completely and 100% credit this book for getting me the 5 that it did (I just got my score back today!). I started studying for the test early, in late Febuary, and I would recommend going through the entire book twice. This book was amazing, and I am so happy with its results!

Writing the AP exam is very different from getting an A in high school chemistry, and the book takes the right approach from the beginning by preparing you for the test. Do not expect this book to teach you new concepts in Chemistry, it does not do a good job at it. However, if you already know your Electrolysis and Chemical Kinetics, then this is the book for you. It helps you channel your effort towards solving the kind of questions that appear on the AP exam, so that you can work on your weak areas. Although my success on the exam was mostly due to my preparation in high school, this book helped me focus on what's really important to get the 5 points. So, I give the book a 5 star rating.

I absolutely adore chemistry. I not only find it challenging and fascinating, but I also consider it to be enjoyable (except for kinetics, acid-base equilibrium, and, of course, organic). If your AP Chem class is using the fifth edition of Zumdahl, then this book is an excellent supplement and study guide for even quizzes and tests. I also think that it is a superb review for the AP exam. I can't encourage AP Chem students enough to invest in this book. It has the best tips, strategies, and practice for the exam. However, if you need help on the reactions portion on the free response then you'll need to consider Zumdahl or consult your teacher because that is the weak area in this book.

The folks at Princeton Review did an excellent job at providing exactly what you need to know for the AP Chemistry exam. It lays out complex ideas in simple english, and is more comprehensive than other brands like REA or Barrons. This book may cost slightly more than other brands, but it gets you the 5!

I lovd this book. It provides great preparation and tips for the Advanced Placement Chemistry examination. It explains each concept clearly and has many practice questions with detailed answers. It also has a very comprehensive chapter that explains each type of chemical equation that you will encounter on the chemical equations part of the free response section (Question #4). I highly suggest it to all AP Chemistry students.