Used books old edition vs. newest edition

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For those of you that are current students or former, please let me know what you think about this. I was gifted quite a few books from a former student that graduated from the same program that I will be starting this fall. The books she gave me are the old edition. I'm wondering if I can get away with using the old editions or should I spend the money on the newest editions? Opnions? Thoughts?

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I had the same question. I got given all the books I'll need for the program but, like you, they're the last edition and the program book list has the new editions listed. Would love to save a fortune by using the gifted ones!

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Old editions. I never bought nee

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Specializes in Pscy / Mental Health.

I only bought one book in the new edition and only because it was significantly different. The rest I used older editions. Saved so much money.

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Specializes in Critical care.

I didn't have any issues with old editions. Most professors I found understood why students preferred them and were ok with it. I'd look into renting if there's a book you REALLY have to have the new edition for.

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I used old ones. Everything was the same, but maybe on a diff page. I had no problems

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Specializes in ER.

It depends. You run the risk of the information being out dated or rearranged. My school said it was at your own risk and they weren't responsible if the test questions came out of a tiny box that wasn't in the old edition when they changed books. Some change books completely and not just the editions. Now, I personally rented some textbooks and also compared loose leaf editions, international editions, etc. International editions for A&P and micro were fine since my professors did not assign homework from the book or utilize the side stories meant to help with comprehension.

I have an international edition for understanding lab tests.

One class was frustrating as all the page numbers were from the previous edition or they changed some of the case study names in the newer edition they told us to purchase but forgot to update the syllabus.

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