Kaplan SAT II Biology E/M 2003-2004

Rating:
Summary: Practice tests weren't good
Review: I used this book to review for the SAT II and while the information was ok, the practice tests were very different from the actual test. I scored around 700 on all three practices, but got 790 on the actual test. Only buy this book for the review, not the practice tests. Barrons did a much better job with practice tests.

Rating:
Summary: This book is the best
Review: I'll be completely honest. I took AP Biology, but the first time I took the SAT2 for Bio, I earned 540. After this book, i earned a solid 800. Need I say more?

Rating:
Summary: The best of the major 3 SAT II Bio books
Review: In my quest to do well on the SAT II Bio, I've gone through this book, the Princeton Review book, and the Barron's book. The Barron's book was horrible: extremely dry and boring with a lot of content irrelevant to the SAT II Biology test! The Princeton book did a good job reviewing the basic concepts and topics, but isn't in-depth enough if you're shooting for a 700-800. Only the Kaplan book sufficiently reviewed all the topics based on the actual text in a clear, easily understood manner. After reading this book, you will feel ready for the actual exam. If you plan to use only one book, this is the one to use. I personally recommend going through this first, then going through the Princeton Review book as a refresher before the test.

Rating:
Summary: Great review material
Review: Okay, first of all, I just need to say that for those of you who are looking to learn as much biology as you can (whether personal interest or just nervousness to do well) and want to do well will find this book amazing. The main conflict, not really a flaw - there isn't much wrong with the book - is that the practice tests and review tests are clearly harder than the real test. This can be a bit misleading, so the fact that you get a 770 on one of these tests can mean that you know alot of bio, but it doesnt mean at all the you will get a 770 on the real thing- no offense but it is true..then again, you shouldnt get a 650 either if you took the test and scored honestly. To review and get a high score, know your traditional honors bio stuff really really well, and of course, take some practice tests whether from this book or something else- even if you dont't want to score them, definitely take these tests because most of the questions are testable. the biggest thing is not to get nervous during the test, for those of you who can avoid it before the test. good luck, and if you studied hard and came in with the right attitude after looking through this book, you find the real test as a much lower level test than what you would have thought - not to insult the collegeboard or anything.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent practice tests
Review: This book has the best practice tests, the most like the real thing. On the test, you have to deal with new information, analyze it and answer questions based on those skills. There was plenty of practice in that kind of thinking, as well as the questions where you just have to remember your science. I was impressed with both the e and the m review (I went with m since I'm planning to go to med school). Everything I needed to be covered was included. I used the book and my text book to go over my weak spots, and the quizzes to make sure I'd taken it all in. Another good thing is, unlike the other books I bought, this book is up to date, which was nice. This is the one for the high score.

Rating:
Summary: a great book to use!
Review: this book helped me so much. i took the diagnostic test in the beginning of kaplan about two weeks before sat2, and i was pretty depressed cause i got somewhere in the 500's. the book covered a lot of material i gotta admit, but it prepared you for any little question that could pop up on the real thing. i read the entire book, took all the quizzes and tests, read the section on getting ready for the sat2, and you should read the little icons on the sides of some pages cause they help you a lot. i got my score, and i got a 790 in the 98th percentile! i recommend using this book, and if you want, its a good idea to use the princeton also cause thats what i used along with kaplan.

Rating:
Summary: DO NOT CRAM YOUR HEAD WITH USELESS KNOWLEDGE
Review: This book is horrible for the SAT II. I mean if ur gonna get ur PhD or something, then (maybe) i'd understand u getting it. I took the SAT II this June and I did very well, but it was no thanks to this book. It makes you feel stupid by giving you ridiculously hard practice tests so that you have a "Guaranteed Higher Score" on the actual exam. Of course you're gonna have a higher score if you are practicing with these tests that are practically AP's (ok, i exaggerated a little). But when your studying for an exam, that is not the time to be learning soooo much extra stuff. In this book htey test you on obscure facts that are completely unncessary. The moral? DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THIS BOOK!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Stay away from this review book!
Review: This book lacks emphasis in regard to many aspects of Biology. Although it mentions numerous topics, it lacks character and appeal. It was a bore to read and beyond comprehension. If you are willing to suffer headaches and boredom, then feel free to spend every waking moment attempting to understand and retain all the information provided in this disastrous book (best of luck to you). This is truly a book solely for those who have an immense background or interest in Biology, and not for the typical student. I suggest you stay away from this book, or take AP Bio. That way, you would at least understand much of the information, much less, retain all of it without falling asleep! ALERT: you will need at least a month to merely review the book. (and btw, best of luck to all those taking the Bio SAT II!)

Rating:
Summary: Excellent book
Review: This book served to help me with the exam. Important topics liked ecology and cells are explained that is nice to learn from. I also used Cliff's Biology by Philip Pack which is also a good reference--easy reading. However, if you want great test preparation questions get the following which helped also---
The Ultimate Study Guide for Biology: Key Review Questions and Answers with Explanations
Volume 1 isbn: 1933023007
Volume 2 isbn: 1933023015
Volume 3 isbn: 1933023023
These study guides were very thorough for going over the important topics encountered. Kaplan SAT II: is also very good for building the core knowledge in biology that one needs to know for test.

Rating:
Summary: Great review material
Review: This is a good book. I don't want to spoil anything for you, so I'll end here.
P.S. It's a good book