Skip to main content
What are your chances of acceptance?
Your chance of acceptance
Duke University

16%

UCLA

27%

+ add school
Your chancing factors
Unweighted GPA: 3.7
1.0
4.0
SAT: 720 math
200
800
| 800 verbal
200
800

Extracurriculars

Low accuracy (4 of 18 factors)

What are the most commonly used textbooks in college?

Hello, I'm trying to get a jump start on college planning. I was wondering, what are some of the most popular textbooks colleges use?

7 months ago

College textbooks can often depend on the specific university, professor, and course, so it's quite challenging to identify the "most used" across all colleges. However, there are a few enduring classics in several disciplines that are frequently referenced. Here's a non-exhaustive list based on some common subjects:

1. Math: "Calculus" by James Stewart is a staple for many Calculus I and II courses.

2. Biology: "Campbell Biology" by Lisa Urry and others is often used in introductory biology classes.

3. Psychology: "Psychology" by David Myers is often utilized in Intro to Psychology courses.

4. Chemistry: "Chemistry: The Central Science" by Brown, LeMay, et al., is a common general chemistry textbook.

5. Economics: "Principles of Economics" by Gregory Mankiw is widely used in introductory Economics classes.

6. Physics: "Fundamentals of Physics" by Halliday, Resnick, and Walker is common in Physics 101 classes.

Remember, it's always best to wait until your course syllabus is released before purchasing or renting textbooks as some professors may not use the traditional books or may have specific editions they prefer. Additionally, some courses are increasingly shifting towards online resources, open textbooks, and other free or lower-cost options.

Most importantly, focus on building solid study habits and time management skills. These will go a long way in helping you tackle the college workload, regardless of the specific textbooks used.

7 months ago

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.