New or older addition books

Klimpys · May 25, 2012

I will be starting nursing classes this fall so I can't comment on those books, however, when I took A&P and Microbiology I always bought new books. One of the biggest reasons was that I like to use the online supplemental resources that the publisher provides. If the access code has already been used you can't use it. Also, I would rather be using the exact same thing the teacher is using, not trying to decode which page in an older version matches up with the newer version he/she is using. Just my .02:twocents:

IndyElmer · May 26, 2012

For pre-reqs, I've easily used one-edition-older for any class that doesn't have required homework to be turned in. (I know that some instructors require you to answer math questions or whatever from the text, but mine never did, so I could just do whatever practice problems corresponded to the current edition chapter(s)). For a lab or two, I had to buy current edition lab books as it was a strict requirement by the instructor, no exceptions.

I have a friend who has only purchased current edition (nursing) textbooks for a SELECT texts (care plan book, drug guide, etc.). The vast majority (80%) she bought one edition older (and her grades have not suffered -- all A's and B's). She had found out from those who completed the program ahead of her that her professors test mostly on what was discussed in class and she only uses her texts (or reliable online resources) for clarification of stuff that didn't make sense in class.

In talking with people one cohort ahead of me at my school, they said "get the edition that the instructor lists on the syllabus" then just a couple minutes later said "I never used my textbooks" which leads me to believe that for the classes offered the term that we were discussing, I don't need the current edition so I've gotten my one-edition-older texts for those classes (but am using a current edition drug guide and a current edition care plan / nursing diagnosis book).

I always recommend finding out how your instructors teach/test so you can tailor to your school.

kristin6727 · May 26, 2012

Thanks. I went ahead and boutht the older versions of 2 of the books, the ones that I did not think were too important to be current. The dictionary and the drug book I am going to buy current. Those are not too exspensive and I know from being a medical transcriptionist how often new drugs are being made. The other book is a care plan which, which I already bought another one that a friend had suggested (she attends the same school), so I may just hold off on that and see if the one I bought would work better than the one they are suggesting. I got to thinking and I could always buy the more recent edition if the older ones are not going to be good. I only spent $16 for both compared to the $200 it would have been, and maybe even by then if I do need the more recent I can get it for even cheaper.

IndyElmer · May 26, 2012

That's pretty much the approach that I have taken. The savings on the one-edition-older is usually 90% off the new price and around 75% off a used current edition. Based on what others in my program and other schools have said, the chances that ALL of the one-edition-older books are not going to work is pretty slim. I figure if I have to buy the current edition of one or two throughout the program, at worst I'll be breaking even for all the books and more than likely, I'll still be seeing at least some savings over buying all used current edition.

Good luck with your one-edition-older books!!

♑ Capricorn ♑ · May 26, 2012

I personally like to have the newest, current edition. Especially, if it is a major required textbook. I like to know that I'm on the same page as everyone else and can look up things quicker during class if need be. With older texts, the pages may be different and maybe the information could be different. Now, if we're talking the supplemental books, like a dictionary, I'll prolly go with an earlier edition or a cheaper one. Either way, I do like to save $$ but I also do not being lost in class and on the same page as everyone else.

I'm glad you found what works for you. :)

kristin6727 · May 26, 2012

So far for my prereqs I have bought all older editions, and I never found a problem. Some of the teachers would even encourage us to save money and buy the older editions. I have a friend in the same program who says she does not really read the books, that she watches a lot of the stuff on the CDs that come with the books, so I will try these for now and buy new later if they seem to be a problem. Thanks for the advice everyone!!!