Buying Books for NS

mamacashew · Jul 3, 2010

Sometimes it doesn't matter and sometimes it does. I have seen older editions that are layed out completely different than their newer editions.

It's kind of a crap shoot as to whether or not it will work.

Saysfaa · Jul 3, 2010

I agree, sometimes it matters and sometimes it doesn't.

If it was really, really cheap, and not just a little better price than the right edition, -I'd get it knowing I might have to buy the other edition also. So far, the old editions have worked adequately for me in every case except one. I lost about $10 on that one, a drop in the bucket compared to how much I've saved overall.

Sometimes I've been able to compare the editions before deciding. Libraries, used book stores, science resource rooms and friends are good places to look.

Another factor is how flexible you are. My anatomy book had exactly identical info as the right edition, but the order was totally scrambled. It was quite annoying when it when we did something with the book in class, but most of the time it didn't matter. The book was used a lot, but we read sections at home, or just opened the book to the page on the overhead.

If you find it a major distraction to always be on a different page (and have to wait for your seatmate to get there so you can see what the page should look like), then it may not be worth it for you.... better to keep on your roll during class and not get derailed while taking notes. Or sometimes, if the order isn't totally scrambled, you just have to know how many pages off your edition is.

If you have access to a copy of the right edition (science resource room or reference area of the library or whatever), you can get peace of mind that you are answering the same questions as the rest of the class if questions from the book are assigned.

Check on ratemyprofessor to see if you can tell from the comments how the book is used or if it is used. Also, check if the prof is a stickler about it even if it doesn't make a practical difference. I prefer not to irritate the prof, so I'd get the right edition in that case (thankfully, I haven't had any profs like that, yet).

caliotter3 · Jul 3, 2010

If you can, ask the instructors outright. Most will give the ok to buy older editions. With some possible inconvenience for page matching during referrals to the text during class, I would definitely go with the older editions. Or, you can rent books, until you can afford to buy them, one by one, if need be. Have stated before that I rented a one edition old text for $11.99. Can't beat that unless someone gives you a text, or you borrow from the library for free.