facebook

5 Best AP Chemistry Textbooks (2024 Updated Guide)

William Cohen
Published by William Cohen
Last Updated On: December 8, 2021

By taking an AP Chemistry course, you can finally have that opportunity to earn the college-level credit you've always wanted. Like most students, it's alright to feel apprehensive about taking the test at the end of the school year. However, if you have a solid foundation on what to expect, you'll have a greater chance of surviving the year and acing the test, too. Let's start by looking for the best review books.

Along with a team of academic experts, we've gone through several study guides and came up with the best AP Chemistry review books. We're sharing our list.

Top 5 AP Chemistry Textbooks in 2020

1 - Cracking the AP Chemistry Exam, 2020 Edition: Practice Tests & Proven Techniques to Help You Score a 5 (Editor's Choice)

Cracking AP Chemistry Exam

Cracking the AP Chemistry Exam by Princeton Review is considered one of the best AP chemistry review books based on our research and interview with previous test-takers.

It offers two full-length practice tests with complete solutions and explanations, including a detailed guide, test-taking strategies, and thorough content reviews. There's also a review of the essential laboratory equipment and procedures.

You'll also get access to Princeton Review's online AP portal to solve any query or receive exam updates.

Besides providing a comprehensive content review on all test topics, you'll also find study drills at the end of each chapter to improve your accuracy. We like how this AP chemistry review book offers engaging activities to assess a student's progress.

Pros
  • Covers all topics related to AP chemistry exam
  • Good resource for AP exams
  • Includes full-length practice tests
  • Recommended by teachers and students
  • Includes test-taking strategies
Cons
  • Does not provide formulas for solving

2 - 5 Steps to a 5: AP Chemistry 2020 Elite Student Edition

5 Steps to a 5 AP Chemistry 2020

The 5 Steps to a 5: AP Chemistry review book is a modern and logical AP test preparation guide that introduces 5 step study plan based on several reviews.

Our AP chem review aims to build your skills, knowledge, and confidence as test-taking strategies as you prepare for the exam.

AP tests include multiple-choice questions, free responses, practice problems, and experiment-based questions. This AP exam guide provides two full-length up-to-date practice problems considering the new AP Chemistry exam requirements.

It also has an AP planner app customized for mobile users, so that you can study for your AP exams from anywhere with extra practice questions.

The 5 steps to 5 features the stages of success that includes:

  • Tips on how to set up your study plan
  • Tips on determining your test readiness
  • Tips to develop strategies for success
  • Tips on the best way to get a high score in the exam
  • Tips on building test-taking confidence
Pros
  • Detailed review of each chapter
  • With iOS and Android app for online help and study
  • Includes practice exams
Cons
  • Not suitable for solving problems

3 - AP Chemistry Crash Course, 2nd Ed., Book + Online

AP Chemistry Crash Course, 2nd Ed., Book + Online

AP Chemistry Crash Course is a prep material designed for last-minute studying. Based on our review, you can also use this crash course book to supplement your refresher review materials.

It provides an in-depth analysis of the revised AP chemistry book outlines and full-length practice questions using the new AP Chemistry exam pattern.

More AP Book Options:

Pros
  • Good reference book
  • Easy-to-understand
Cons
  • Not enough AP chemistry book sample questions
  • May have trouble accessing the online practice test

4 - Sterling Test Prep AP Chemistry Practice Questions: High Yield AP Chemistry Questions & Review

Sterling Test Prep AP Chemistry Practice Questions: High Yield AP Chemistry Questions & Review

The Sterling Test Prep is also among the best AP Chemistry books recommended by teachers for AP chemistry exam preparation.

The new edition provides explanations covering all AP chemistry exam prep topics.

Some of the topics covered in this AP Chemistry textbook include:

  • Electronic and atomic structure of matter
  • Electro and Thermochemistry
  • Acids and bases
  • Chemical bonding and a periodic table
  • Various stats like liquids, solids, and gases
  • Equilibrium and reaction rates
Pros
  • Detailed explanations
  • Good practice questions
Cons
  • Not for comprehensive test preparation

5 - Chemistry – Best AP Chemistry Book

Chemistry – Best AP Chemistry Book

The 10th edition of this AP chemistry book includes a robust conceptual framework structured in a readable and engaging writing style. It includes a single section of problems, exercises, multiple choice, and free response questions.

Most students we've talked to find this guide helpful as it contains necessary tools for critical thinkers. It is designed to encourage problem-solving, chemical theory application, and outcome evaluation.

Pros
  • Thorough explanations of each concept
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Kindle version isn't good

What's the Best AP Chemistry Textbook? We Pick...

After hours of research, we think that the 5 steps to a 5 - Best AP Chemistry Textbook is the best AP Chemistry textbook for exam preparation. We like how the book is easy to follow and understand. The price of the book is relatively affordable for the features and service it offers.

Another excellent advanced placement preparation guide that we also find helpful is the Sterling test Prep for AP chemistry exam. If you want something that primarily focuses on the multiple choice-type questions in the AP chemistry exam, then you may also consider this book.

Cracking AP Chemistry Exam

Our #1 Recommendation

Cracking the AP Chemistry Exam, 2020 Edition: Practice Tests & Proven Techniques to Help You Score a 5

  • Covers all topics related to AP chemistry exam
  • Good resource for AP exams
  • Includes full-length practice tests
  • Recommended by teachers and students
  • Includes test-taking strategies
Check Current Price
payment icons

About the author

Add Comment

Click here to post a comment