How to Self-Study from a Textbook (And a list of suggested textbooks)

Whether it's to prepare for school, complete a coursework by yourself, or to prepare for an olympiad, self-studying a textbook is the first and crucial step. I also saw a lot of comments asking for textbooks, so I thought that I should share a general guide with a list of textbooks you should check out. Personally, when I opened a textbook, I easily got overwhelmed and didn't know where to begin. Through countless number of tries, calling for help, and research, I found the study methods that actually worked. I hope that this can be helpful for students trying to crack their way through learning material on their own:

Plan your Curriculum: So many advice on self-studying a textbook skip this step!! By knowing the content that you're about to study and organizing them into small blocks can make it so much easier for you to study the content. Calculate the time you have (d-day) and divide the number of pages you need to cover each day. Warning: make it realistic!!
Preview the Chapter: Take a few minutes to skim the headings and key terms. This helps you identify areas where you may need more time. Adjust your schedule accordingly based on your strengths and weaknesses.
Take Structured Notes: As you read, jot down key points and questions in a format that works for you, like the Cornell system. This turns your reading into an active learning process. I personally prefer just the standard bullet point notes.
Engage in Active Reading: Highlight important parts, make notes in the margins, and summarize sections in your own words (after 2 pages, don't summarize every paragraph!! Very inefficient to take notes too frequently). Another tip: write questions in a post-it note and ask any teacher/ChatGPT (my best friend :)).
Teach What You’ve Learned: Try explaining what you’ve just studied to someone else. Teaching is the best way to reinforce what you know and spot any areas that need more work. If you don't have a person to freely teach, try recording yourself! I liked to record myself tutoring another person the topic I learned😅... Although it may sound super awkard, it's good to play back your recording during your commute/wasted time and remind yourself frequently of the content.
Test Yourself Regularly: Quiz yourself with end-of-chapter questions with ChatGPT/other testing device. Regular self-testing is one of the best ways to make sure the material sticks.
Review and Revise: Don’t wait until the last minute—review your notes regularly. Spaced repetition helps you remember what you’ve learned for the long term. And remember, reading it once won't do the job - although it will be the first step that makes the difference, in order to retain all the information thoroughly, there is a lot of recommendation of reading it at least 3-4 times.

Textbook List:

"Campbell Biology," Reece et al. (Biology): perfect and the most standard guide for AP Biology
"Chemistry: The Central Science," Brown et al. (Chemistry): most standard for AP Chem
"Precalculus: Mathematics for Calculus," Stewart et al. (Pre-Calc): Strong foundation-building, aimed at students prepping for AP Calculus.
"Calculus: Early Transcendentals," Stewart (Calculus): Rigorous with plenty of examples, designed for AP Calculus AB/BC.
"Physics for Scientists and Engineers," Serway and Jewett (Physics C): Detailed and thorough, suitable for AP Physics C students.
"College Physics," Knight, Jones, and Field (Physics 1 & 2): student-friendly, ideal for AP Phys 1 & 2.
"The Earth and Its Peoples," Bulliet et al. (World History): Broad global perspective, for AP World.
"Ways of the World," Strayer and Nelson (World History): Thematic, for AP World.
"Environmental Science for AP," Friedland and Relyea (Environmental Science): Fit to AP curriculum with case studies, for AP Env Sci
"American Government: Institutions and Policies," Wilson et al. (Government): In-depth coverage of government topics, excellent for AP U.S. Government and Politics.
"The American Pageant," Kennedy et al. (U.S. History): Engaging narrative style, perfect for APUSH
"Krugman's Economics for AP," Ray and Anderson (Economics): ideal for AP Macroeconomics & Microeconomics.
"Psychology," Myers (Psychology): Concise and reader-friendly, perfect for AP Psych

This is just a general guideline I made for myself, and I think many rising high school students or sophomores might find it helpful. I might have missed some points or included study steps you don't agree with. I'm still learning and have a lot to improve in my study routine, so please feel free to share any suggestions or alternative ideas! I would appreciate some feedback! :)

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