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Textbook Edition for College Courses - laughter - 10-08-2014
I'll be enrolling for my first college courses soon (not from a Big 3). According to the syllabus, I would have to purchase a custom edition. However, I'm able to source out the International Edition of the complete, original version at a much cheaper price. Would it be advisable to stick with the custom edition or get the international edition? Do instructors usually quote page numbers or chapter numbers? I'm wondering if I would be able to find the required reading portions accurately. Advice?
Textbook Edition for College Courses - PaintTheSunset - 10-08-2014
You probably need to stick to the exact edition. The page numbers will likely vary, which could throw you off if you're assigned specific pages for a reading assignment. Sometimes homework assignments will be end-of-chapter questions from the text, which may be different in the international edition. Plus, some of the content in the text itself may vary. I'd check with the professor before substituting the other book.
Textbook Edition for College Courses - Prloko - 10-08-2014
laughter Wrote:I'll be enrolling for my first college courses soon (not from a Big 3). According to the syllabus, I would have to purchase a custom edition. However, I'm able to source out the International Edition of the complete, original version at a much cheaper price. Would it be advisable to stick with the custom edition or get the international edition? Do instructors usually quote page numbers or chapter numbers? I'm wondering if I would be able to find the required reading portions accurately. Advice?
Custom editions (not year to year i.e 6th ed to 7th ed) are almost always the same textbook with the chapters and question numbers switched around. Usually you can get away with using the standard or international edition if you can find some way to match up the chapters and questions (professor, classmate, or maybe finding it online). IF your course is in person, you should be able to find a friendly classmate or professor to help you out. If online, it is a bit tougher and may be easier to bite the bullet and spend the big bucks for the custom edition.
Textbook Edition for College Courses - laughter - 10-09-2014
It'll be an online course. I guess I'll have to find a way to contact the instructor or just swallow the pill, pay the dollars, and get good results.
Thanks for all your advice and help!!
Textbook Edition for College Courses - bricabrac - 10-09-2014
laughter Wrote:It'll be an online course. I guess I'll have to find a way to contact the instructor or just swallow the pill, pay the dollars, and get good results.
The benefit of purchasing a specific textbook is you can easily recoup your investment. As soon as your course ends list it on Amazon or eBay. Even check if your school has on online textbook swap section. This way you sell direct without any sellers fees. I sold all textbooks that held no long term interest or future value (source material).
Textbook Edition for College Courses - laughter - 10-09-2014
bricabrac Wrote:The benefit of purchasing a specific textbook is you can easily recoup your investment. As soon as your course ends list it on Amazon or eBay. Even check if your school has on online textbook swap section. This way you sell direct without any sellers fees. I sold all textbooks that held no long term interest or future value (source material).
Thanks for the tip! The in-school option sounds pretty good.