How to Study for AP Environmental Science

Feeling overwhelmed by the volume of content in AP Environmental Science (opens in a new tab)? It's easy to feel buried under facts and figures. You might be wondering where to start or how to make sure you’re actually retaining what you study.

Here's the thing: APES isn't just about memorization. The exam tests your ability to connect concepts, analyze data, and apply what you know to real-world situations. That means passive reading won't cut it. You need a study approach that's active, organized, and targeted to what the exam actually requires.

This guide will walk you through a practical, step-by-step study plan designed specifically for the APES exam structure. We've worked with AP Environmental Science teachers and exam readers to create strategies that focus on what matters most—so you can study smarter, not harder.

Key Takeaways

• APES requires both content knowledge and real-world application skills—you need to understand concepts and know how to use them

• The exam includes multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and free-response questions (FRQs), each testing different skills

• Active study methods like concept mapping and data interpretation practice are more effective than rereading notes

• FRQs demand specific, evidence-based answers using the claim-evidence-reasoning framework

• Starting your study plan at least two months before the exam gives you time to identify and strengthen weak areas

What Makes AP Environmental Science Unique

AP Environmental Science stands out from other AP science courses because it combines scientific knowledge with real-world problem-solving. You're not just learning about ecosystems or pollution—you're learning how to analyze environmental challenges and propose evidence-based solutions.

The AP Environmental Science exam tests seven distinct science practices (opens in a new tab)—skills that you’ll practice throughout the year, including explaining concepts, solving problems using math, and designing environmental solutions. This means you need to go beyond memorizing facts. You need to interpret graphs, evaluate experimental designs, and complete calculations with correct units.

This guide will help you tackle both sides of APES: mastering the content across all nine units while developing the analytical skills the exam demands.

Know What's on the APES Exam

Understanding the exam format helps you prepare strategically. The AP Environmental Science exam lasts 2 hours and 40 minutes and consists of two sections.

Section I: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

• 80 questions

• 90 minutes

• Worth 60% of your total score

• Tests your ability to recall information, interpret data, and analyze scenarios

Section II: Free-Response Questions (FRQs)

• 3 questions

• 70 minutes

• Worth 40% of your total score

• Requires written explanations, calculations, and data analysis

The multiple-choice section includes standalone questions as well as questions based on data sets, diagrams, or experimental scenarios. The FRQ section typically includes one design/analysis question, one data analysis question, and one synthesis question that pulls together multiple concepts.

More information can be found in the AP Environmental Science Course and Exam Description (opens in a new tab).

Step 1: Review the Major Units and Topics

The College Board divides APES into nine units. Each unit builds on previous concepts, so identifying which units you struggle with early on helps you allocate your study time effectively.

Our AP Environmental Science revision resources include topic-by-topic Study Guides to help you identify exactly what information you need to know.

Unit 1: The Living World:

Ecosystems

This unit covers how ecosystems function, including energy flow and nutrient cycling.

Common challenges:

• Understanding the different biogeochemical cycles (this includes the carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and hydrologic cycles)

Study tip: Study visual diagrams showing how energy and matter move through ecosystems—this helps you see the connections.

Diagram showing the trophic levels for a simple food chain—our APES Study Guides are full of illustrations like this one, to make concepts clearer

Unit 2: The Living World:

Biodiversity

This unit explores why biodiversity matters and how ecosystems respond to disruptions.

Common challenges:

• Understanding the difference between primary and secondary succession

• Remembering the different types of ecosystem services

Study tip: Use real ecosystem examples (like a forest fire leading to succession) to make abstract concepts more clear.

Unit 3: Populations

Populations

You'll investigate how populations grow, what limits their growth, and how human populations differ from other species.

Common challenges:

• Interpreting survivorship curves correctly

• Applying the demographic transition model to different countries

Study tip: Practice sketching some simple age structure diagrams by hand—this reinforces what each shape tells you about population growth.

Unit 4: Earth Systems and Resources

Earth Systems and Resources

This unit covers geological processes, soil formation, and atmospheric systems.

Common challenges:

• Mixing up weather patterns like El Niño and La Niña

Unit 5: Land and Water Use

Land and Water Use

You'll explore how humans use natural resources and the impacts this has on the environment

Common challenges:

• Remembering the different environmental impacts of various human activities (including agriculture, mining, and urbanization)

Study tip: Create tables showing the pros and cons of different land use practices—this helps on FRQs that ask you to evaluate impacts. 

Unit 6: Energy Resources and Consumption

Energy Resources and Consumption

This unit examines renewable and nonrenewable energy sources and their environmental consequences.

Common challenges:

• Calculating energy efficiency

• Understanding the trade-offs between different energy sources

Study tip: Practice math problems associated with energy—many FRQs include calculations about energy consumption or efficiency.

Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution

Atmospheric Pollution

You'll study air pollution types, sources, and impacts on human health and the environment.

Common challenges:

• Differentiating between primary and secondary pollutants

• Understanding how thermal inversions trap pollution

Study tip: Make flashcards for pollutant sources and effects—this unit is detail-heavy and benefits from regular review.

Unit 8: Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

Aquatic and Terrestrial Pollution

This unit covers water pollution, waste management, and how pollutants move through ecosystems.

Common challenges:

• Confusing bioaccumulation with biomagnification

• Understanding lethal dose 50% (LD₅₀) and the dose response curve

Study tip: Draw diagrams showing how pollutants move through food chains to visualize bioaccumulation and biomagnification.

The bioaccumulation of mercury in tuna

Unit 9: Global Change

Global Change

In this final unit, you'll explore large-scale environmental changes, including climate change, ozone depletion, and biodiversity loss.

Common challenges:

• Understanding feedback loops in climate systems.

For a complete breakdown of all nine units with detailed topic lists, check out our AP Environmental Science Units guide.

Step 2: Use Active Study Strategies

Rereading your notes might feel productive, but it's not the most effective way to prepare for APES. Active study techniques force your brain to retrieve and apply information, which strengthens long-term retention.

Make Concept Maps to Connect Topics

APES is all about connections. A concept related to energy resources might show up again in atmospheric pollution or global change.

Create concept maps that show how different topics relate to each other. For example, map out how fossil fuel consumption (Unit 6) connects to atmospheric pollution (Unit 7) and climate change (Unit 9). These visual connections help you answer synthesis questions on the FRQ section.

Practice Data Interpretation with Graphs and Charts

Many MCQs and FRQs include graphs, tables, or charts. You need to quickly extract relevant information and explain what the data shows.

Focus on identifying trends, comparing data sets, and explaining relationships between variables. Time yourself to build speed—you won't have long to analyze data on exam day.

Practice using our AP Environmental Science exam questions.

Apply Concepts to Real-World Environmental Issues

The exam frequently asks you to apply APES concepts to real scenarios. Stay current with environmental news and practice connecting what you're learning to actual events.

For example, if you're studying eutrophication, look up recent cases like algal blooms in the Great Lakes. If you're learning about renewable energy, research current solar or wind energy projects. This approach helps you write stronger FRQ responses because you'll have specific examples to reference.

Real-world case studies also make abstract concepts more concrete—for example, understanding how the Flint water crisis relates to water pollution or how California wildfires connect to climate change.

Use Topic-Specific Flashcards for Memorization

Some content requires straight memorization. Flashcards work well for this type of material.

Focus your flashcards on areas like:

• Definitions and key terms

• Specific environmental laws and regulations (Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, etc.)

• Specific pollutants, their sources, and their effects

Use spaced repetition by reviewing flashcards at increasing time intervals. This technique is proven to improve long-term retention more than cramming.

Step 3: Master the Free Response Questions (FRQs)

The FRQ section makes up 40% of your score, and it's where many students lose points unnecessarily. The good news? FRQ scoring is predictable once you understand what Readers are looking for.

Each question is broken into parts (a, b, c, etc.), and each part has specific point opportunities. Readers award points for specific elements in your answer—not for writing style or length.

This means your goal isn't to write essays. Your goal is to provide clear, specific answers that hit the marking points.

Practice Using Released FRQs

The College Board releases past FRQ questions along with scoring guidelines (opens in a new tab) and sample responses. These are your most valuable study resources. You can also check out our site for all the past APES FRQs going back to 2010.

Work through released FRQs under timed conditions. Then compare your answers to the scoring guidelines. Identify which points you earned and which you missed. This process shows you exactly what graders are looking for.

Our AP Environmental Science FRQ practice questions include detailed model answers that break down how to earn maximum points.

Show Quantitative Reasoning and Units Where Needed

Many FRQs include calculations. Even if you're not confident in your math, you can still earn points by showing your work clearly.

Always include:

• The formula you're using

• Values with their units

• Each calculation step

• Your final answer with the correct unit

Readers can award partial credit for correct setup even if your final answer is wrong. But if you only write the final answer with no work shown, you might earn zero points even if it's correct.

Step 4: Practice with AP-Style MCQs

The multiple-choice section tests both content knowledge and your ability to think critically under time pressure. You have just over one minute per question, which means you need efficient strategies.

Practice with AP-style questions regularly. Our AP Environmental Science MCQ practice questions are organized by unit and topic, making it easy to target specific content areas.

MCQ strategies that work:

• Read the question carefully before looking at answer choices—know what you're being asked

• Eliminate obviously wrong answers first to improve your odds if you need to guess

• Don't spend more than 90 seconds on any single question—mark it and come back if needed

For data-based questions, analyze the graph or table before reading the question. Identify trends, outliers, or relationships first. This often makes the correct answer more obvious.

Step 5: Make a Study Schedule That Works

A realistic study schedule keeps you on track without burning you out. How much time you need depends on when you start preparing.

Starting early gives you time to review all nine units while building the skills you need for both MCQs and FRQs. Here's a timeline that works when you have around two months to prepare.

2 Months Out: Build Your Foundation

• Begin reviewing units systematically, spending 2-3 days on each one

• Work through 10-15 practice questions daily across different topics for each unit

• When you get questions wrong, review that concept in your notes or study guides

• Schedule one full-length practice exam during this phase to identify weak spots

1 Month Out: Target Your Weak Areas

• Focus your study time on the units where you scored lowest on your practice exam

• Increase FRQ practice to 2-3 times per week, timing yourself on each question

• Use data interpretation questions to sharpen your graph and chart analysis skills

• Take a second full-length practice exam to track your improvement

1 Week Out: Fine-Tune and Review

• Do light content review—focus on points you still struggle with

• Continue with some timed practice to help with managing your time on test day

• Don't cram new material at this stage—reinforce what you already know

Build your personalized practice tests using our AP Environmental Science Target Test tool—select specific topics, question types, and difficulty levels to focus on exactly what you need.

For more detailed guidance on creating an effective study timeline, see our article on How to Study for AP Exams.

Top tips from an AP Environmental Science expert…

We asked AP Environmental Science expert and YouTuber Amy Fassler for her insights on the APES course:

“As an APES teacher, exam question writer, and reader, the best advice I offer students as they prepare for the exam is to focus on the science practices. The skills required for each practice are scaffolded so that you can progress from identifying, describing, and explaining environmental processes. Knowing what skills are required to explain relationships represented in models or analyze data is essential to success on the exam.”

-Amy Fassler (opens in a new tab), AP Environmental Science Educator (opens in a new tab) (Marshfield High School, Wisconsin), College Board Consultant, HHMI BioInteractive Ambassador (opens in a new tab)

Frequently Asked Questions

How Hard Is the AP Environmental Science Exam?

The APES exam has one of the higher pass rates among AP sciences, with 50-55% of students earning a score of 3 or higher from 2020 to 2024, and nearly 70% of students gaining a 3 or higher in 2025 (opens in a new tab). However, the exam still requires thorough preparation.

The difficulty comes from the breadth of content (nine diverse units) and the need to apply concepts rather than just recall them. Students who struggle most are those who rely purely on memorization without practicing application skills.

With consistent study and practice, APES is very achievable. The key is starting early enough to review all units while building your data analysis and FRQ skills.

What's the Best Way to Improve My FRQ Scores?

Focus on two things: specificity and practice.

First, be specific in every answer. Instead of "pollution is bad for fish," write "increased nitrogen from agricultural runoff causes eutrophication, depleting dissolved oxygen and killing fish."

Second, practice with previous FRQs and compare your answers to official scoring guidelines. This is the fastest way to understand exactly what earns points.

Many students lose FRQ points not because they don't know the content, but because their answers are too vague or don't directly address what was asked.

How Many Practice Tests Should I Take?

Aim for 2-4 full-length practice exams, depending on how much time you have before the real test.

Take your first practice exam early in your study process—at least 4-6 weeks before the actual exam if possible. This helps you identify weak areas so you can target them during review.

Space your practice exams at least 7-10 days apart. This gives you time to review mistakes and improve between attempts.

Always take practice exams under realistic conditions: timed, no notes, no interruptions. This builds your test-taking stamina and helps you practice pacing.

Browse our collection of AP Environmental Science past exams and scoring guidelines to access official practice materials.

Final Thoughts

Success on the AP Environmental Science exam comes down to two things: understanding the content and knowing how to apply it.

Don't just read through your notes hoping information sticks. Use active study methods that force you to retrieve and use what you've learned. Practice FRQs regularly so the format becomes second nature. Take timed practice tests to build your pacing and confidence.

Remember that APES isn't just about passing an exam—it's about understanding the environmental challenges facing our world and how science can help address them. Approach your studies with genuine curiosity, and you'll find the content more engaging and easier to remember.

Start your preparation early, stay consistent, and focus on understanding rather than memorizing. You've got this!

For comprehensive study materials written by experienced AP Environmental Science teachers, explore our complete collection of AP Environmental Science Study Guides.

References

AP Environmental Science College Board home page: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-environmental-science (opens in a new tab)

AP Environmental Science AP Classroom: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-environmental-science#:~:text=15%25%E2%80%9320%25-,Science%20Practices,-The%20AP%20Environmental (opens in a new tab)

AP Environmental Science Course and Exam Description: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-environmental-science-course-and-exam-description.pdf (opens in a new tab)

AP Environmental Science Exam Questions—Free-Response Questions (FRQs) and Scoring Information: https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-environmental-science/exam/past-exam-questions (opens in a new tab)

AP Environmental Science Units—Full List: https://www.savemyexams.com/learning-hub/subject-guides/ap-environmental-science-units/#what-are-the-science-practices-for-ap-environmental-science

How to Study for AP Exams: Step-by-Step Strategy for Success: https://www.savemyexams.com/learning-hub/revision-tips/how-to-study-for-ap-exams/

Past AP Environmental Studies Score Distributions: https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/about-ap-scores/score-distributions/ap-environmental-studies (opens in a new tab)