<p>I'm still in high school for another semester but this winter break I want to self-study for college. I will major in chemical engineering and I definitely want a high GPA during my first year of college. How should I study for chemical engineering? Any recommended books, tips, suggestions, are appreciated!</p>
<p>Just relax. There’s no reason to waste one of the few true spans of down time you have left before joining the real world.</p>
<p>I agree, take a break. Breaks are there for a reason 
But if you must, just pick up the Schaum’s or Dummies books for the subjects you’ll be taking. I like to do that - it familiarizes myself with the concepts beforehand without going too deep. If that makes any sense.</p>
<p>Schaum’s, Khan Academy, MIT Open Courseware for whatever classes you’ll be taking. Try doing some google sleuthing for syllabi from previous semesters for the specific classes so you’ll have an idea of what you’ll need to study. Also, check out Rate My Professor, a lot of times posters will talk about what the class itself was like. It’s never a bad idea to do some prestudying (I’ll be doing it as well), but don’t go overboard with it and enjoy the time off. Free time is a rare commodity during college semesters; make sure your mind is well rested to avoid the mid-semester burnout.</p>
<p>Yep. Another vote for relaxing. Pick up a hobby or enjoy any you already have. Enjoy the free time while you have it! </p>
<p>Yet another vote for relaxing. If you are determined to do something, I’d polish your study habits and time management skills. A great place to start is the web site Study Hacks. Look for the Start Here link on the right side of the page.</p>
<p>Dont you listen to these slackers 
I’m studying during winter break too. Only 2 or 3 hrs a day, but i wanna get a head start on my spring courses. I totally get what your are coming from.
I’m watching the Khan academy videos and reading over the chapters in math and physics i’ll be studying. Nothing too deep. </p>
<p>Any ideas what you’ll be taking your first semester?</p>
<p>@Fsswim1
The purpose of this thread was just that: I haven’t received word of my admissions outcome and thus I don’t know what courses a chemical engineer would take for freshman year. I am taking the AP for chemistry this year and probably will get a 5. Assuming that I have no trouble with the topics taught in AP chemistry what should I study?What is the class taken after this general chemistry course? As you can see, I have a passion for chemistry.</p>
<p>I know you’re being facetious @Fsswim1 , but remember the old adage, both of you, and I will modify to the plural, “Where you are, we have been. Where we are, you will be.” Don’t underestimate the fact that at least for @fractalmstr, @boneh3ad, and myself, we’ve been there, done that. We understand the value, or lack there of, of what you are trying to do because we’ve already gone through the phase you are preparing for.</p>
<p>If you are bound and determined to study academics, then there is something that will be helpful. Look up old exams for the classes you’ll get credit for from the school you’re admitted to or the most likely ones you’ll attend if you didn’t do ED. For example, if you AP out of a Calc a class or two, find the tests from the classes you will be able to skip and test your knowledge against what they will be expecting of you. This is actually important for the foundational, cumulative series, mainly math and physics. Passing an AP, even with a 4 or 5 is not a guarantee that you’ve covered the material that your school did, either in volume or depth. The road is littered with students who got 5s on a Calc AP only to fail the next in the sequence in college.</p>
<p>Do take some time to simply recharge your batteries. Good luck</p>
<p>Do fun things with your friends and forget about academics for a few weeks. It’s good to have some down time now and then. </p>
<p>If you really feel like you want to do this, look at the first year curriculum for the schools you think you are likely to attend, and try to do some reading in those areas. </p>
<p>@eyemgh Thank god you understood i was only joking Sometimes i feel engies are too serious for their own good. Main reason i’m on these forums is to learn from the experiences of you older folks like yourself. And i certainly appreciate the value of taking time off. And you should absolutely spend at least Christmas eve, Christmas and New years away from the books.
Buuuuuut the rest of the time. if you feel inclined and like myself already feel recharged, ready and excited about the new semester. Why not get a bit of reading done? XD</p>
<p>I cant’ speak for Chem Eng, but I think Calc, Diff equations and linear algebra are standard for any eng. They are at least for Mech and Civ around here. Maybe get started on the math? If you have physics Calc will help you TONS. </p>
<p>I literally would give almost anything in order to be able to spend more than just Christmas Eve, Christmas, and New Years Eve/Day with family and/or relaxing. Alas, I am not able to do that. Instead, here I am sitting at my desk in my office, trying to get some writing and data analysis done while my wife is at home enjoying some time off. My younger brother is visiting my parents, going to a big basketball game between my undergraduate alma mater and one of our big rivals, and generally enjoying the holidays. I get to watch it all on Facebook. Count your blessings.</p>
<p>Once you get to the the working world, you will likely get one week off for a Christmas/New Year break and that’s about it for most people. If you decide to do graduate school, you will “technically” have about that much time off, but in reality… nope.</p>
<p>Seriously, enjoy the free time when you have it. There really is no real reason to give up a sizable portion of your break for studying while you still have a break.</p>
<p>Well, for what it’s worth, merry Christmas @boneh3ad . Hopefully next year your work load will be a little lighter and you’ll be able to enjoy some time off along with your wife :D</p>
<p>I’m gonna put on my “Mom hat” for a moment. If you do have spare time… try to do something nice to help out at home. Or do a neat Christmas project, like the photo slide shows my kids created for DH and me when they wwew in high school. </p>
<p>Your parents probably give you lots of space to do your homework when needed. And they are probably gearing up for 4 (or more) years of steep college expenses. Now’s a great chance to show your appreciation. </p>
<p>Perhaps this message is not relevant for OP. But posting anyway in case other seniors are reading 
</p>