Walking into your AP Environmental Science (APES) exam well-prepared isn’t just about months of studying. It’s also about getting exam day right. Even the most knowledgeable student can lose points — or worse, get disqualified — if they forget key materials or break test day rules.
This comprehensive exam day checklist from RevisionDojo will walk you through:
- What to bring (and what’s banned)
- How to manage your time during the APES test
- The best last-minute review strategies
- Tips for staying calm and focused
- Common mistakes that can cost you points
Whether you’re aiming for a 3 to earn college credit or pushing for a 5 to impress admissions officers, mastering exam day logistics is your last step toward success.
1. Know the APES Exam Structure Before You Arrive
Before you even pack your bag, you need to know how the day will be structured so you can plan your mental energy.
- Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Section 1: Multiple Choice – 80 questions, 90 minutes, 60% of your score
- Section 2: Free Response – 3 questions, 70 minutes, 40% of your score
- FRQ 1: Design an Investigation
- FRQ 2: Analyze an Environmental Problem and Propose a Solution
- FRQ 3: Calculate and Analyze Data
💡 RevisionDojo Pro Tip: Knowing the pacing beforehand lets you time yourself naturally without panicking. In Section 1, spend ~1 minute per MCQ. In Section 2, plan ~20–25 minutes for FRQ 1, ~20 minutes for FRQ 2, and ~20–25 minutes for FRQ 3.
2. What to Bring on APES Exam Day
Bring only what you’re allowed — and what will help you perform your best.
Required Items
- Your Admission Ticket (printed from your College Board account)
- Valid Photo ID (school or government-issued)
- #2 Pencils (wooden, sharpened, not mechanical) for multiple choice
- Blue or Black Pens for FRQs (must be dark ink, no gel pens)
- Approved Calculator for APES (see College Board’s current list)
- Eraser (clean, with no large eraser shavings)
Optional (But Helpful)
- Small snack (for breaks only, not during the exam)
- Water bottle (clear, label removed if required)
- Sweater or hoodie (test rooms can be cold)
Banned Items (Leave These at Home or in Your Bag Outside)
- Phones, smartwatches, or any electronics
- Study notes or books
- Highlighters (not allowed on multiple choice)
- Scratch paper (provided by the proctor)
- Mechanical pencils
💡 RevisionDojo Pro Tip: Double-check calculator rules. For APES, graphing calculators are allowed, but they must meet the College Board’s policy.
3. Morning-of Exam Routine
Your brain runs on oxygen, glucose, and water — not caffeine overload and nerves.
- Sleep: Get 7–9 hours the night before.
- Breakfast: Eat complex carbs + protein (e.g., oatmeal + eggs, or toast + peanut butter). Avoid heavy sugar to prevent energy crashes.
- Hydration: Start drinking water early in the morning, but don’t overdo it before the test.
- Light Review: Spend 20–30 minutes skimming key environmental laws, major biogeochemical cycles, and formulas.
💡 RevisionDojo Pro Tip: Avoid cramming. Last-minute panic studying can raise anxiety and hurt performance.
4. Time Management on the APES Exam
The APES exam is fast-paced, but with a plan, you can maximize points.
Multiple Choice (90 minutes, 80 questions)
- Aim for 1 minute per question.
- Flag tough questions and come back later — don’t get stuck.
- Read carefully for “EXCEPT” or “NOT” wording.
Free Response (70 minutes, 3 questions)
- Read all FRQs first — decide the order that plays to your strengths.
- Label all parts clearly (a, b, c…) so graders can find your answers.
- In calculation questions, always show work — you can get partial credit even with a wrong final answer.
💡 RevisionDojo Pro Tip: Never leave anything blank on FRQs. Even a partial idea can earn points.
5. Mindset and Stress Management
Staying calm under pressure boosts your recall and helps you think clearly.
- Breathing Technique: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4. Repeat 3–4 times to lower your heart rate.
- Reframe Nerves: Nervous energy means your body is ready to perform.
- Focus on the Next Question, Not the Last One: If you mess up, move on immediately.
💡 RevisionDojo Pro Tip: Pack something small and comforting (like a hair tie, bracelet, or coin) to hold before the test — it can help ground you.
6. Last-Minute Review List
The night before and morning of, focus on:
- Key environmental laws (Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, CERCLA)
- Energy types and their pros/cons
- Biogeochemical cycles (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus)
- Population growth models (exponential vs logistic)
- Major pollutants and their impacts
- Math formulas you’ll need (energy, efficiency, population change)
Avoid starting any new topics on exam day — it will only add stress.
7. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Bringing banned items (can result in score cancellation)
- Forgetting to label FRQ parts correctly
- Skipping units you “think” won’t appear (College Board rotates topics)
- Not showing math work
- Running out of time by overthinking early MCQs
8. Post-Exam Tips
- Don’t dwell on questions you think you missed — scores take weeks.
- Write down any topics you struggled with for future AP classes.
- Celebrate your hard work! APES is a challenging exam, and finishing is an achievement in itself.
FAQs – APES Exam Day
Q: Can I use a mechanical pencil on the APES exam?
A: No — only #2 wooden pencils are accepted for MCQs.
Q: Will I need to memorize environmental laws?
A: Yes, knowing names, purposes, and key provisions is essential for FRQs.
Q: Can I use my phone as a calculator?
A: No — only College Board-approved calculators are allowed.
Final Call to Action
Exam day success starts with being prepared before you walk in.
From knowing what to bring, to managing your time, to avoiding rookie mistakes — this checklist gives you the confidence to perform your best.
For more APES guides, past FRQ practice, and targeted last-minute study plans, visit RevisionDojo — your go-to resource for crushing AP exams.
