REA Study guide choices

[cookderosa]

In preparing for completing my degree using CLEP, I joined this forum for the study resources. I spoke to the CLEP administrator where I work (college) and she suggested here. I've been using the online flashcards to study but want to pick up REA as well to supplement. Which ones are useful? For instance on Amazon I see :

AP U.S. History Crash Course (REA: The Test Prep AP Teachers Recommend): Larry Krieger, Advanced Placement, US History Study Guides: 9780738608136: Amazon.com: Books
and
CLEP History of the United States I w/Online Practice Exams (CLEP Test Preparation): Editors of REA: 9780738610375: Amazon.com: Books

It seems as the second choice would be the better of the two since it also includes online practice exams. I just am unsure as to which is better. Anyone try these out?

The online practice exams are the same exams as whats already in the book, so save your money on the special features/dvd/cd/online/etc and just get the cheapest book you can find. My library had tons of them, you can even use ones that are several years old. I'd spend a few days looking before I started plunking down the cost for new because the cost adds up when you think about how many exam books you might be buying.

P.S. AP and CLEP are both similar in content, but there is no reason to buy AP as a first choice. If I found an AP REA at a yard sale for 25 cents, you bet I'm buying it, but for full price by the correct book for the brand you are testing. Good luck!