Choosing between AP Environmental Science (APES) and AP Biology (AP Bio) is one of the most common dilemmas for high school students planning their AP schedules. While both are science courses under the College Board’s Advanced Placement program, they differ in content, rigor, pacing, and skill focus. The right choice depends on your interests, future academic goals, and study habits.
In this guide, RevisionDojo breaks down the course structure, difficulty level, college credit policies, and career relevance of APES and AP Biology so you can make an informed decision.
1. Course Focus and Content
AP Environmental Science
- Interdisciplinary approach combining biology, chemistry, geology, and environmental studies.
- Emphasizes human impact on the planet, sustainability, and ecological principles.
- Units cover ecosystems, biodiversity, populations, earth systems, land and water use, energy resources, pollution, and global change.
- Involves a broader survey of topics rather than deep dives into molecular details.
- Includes case studies and environmental policy discussions.
AP Biology
- In-depth biology course focusing on molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, evolution, and physiology.
- College-level rigor similar to an introductory biology class for science majors.
- Eight units: Chemistry of Life, Cell Structure and Function, Cellular Energetics, Cell Communication, Heredity, Gene Expression and Regulation, Natural Selection, and Ecology.
- Heavy emphasis on laboratory work and application of data analysis to biological concepts.
- More quantitative in data-based FRQs.
2. Difficulty Level
APES Difficulty
- Generally considered more approachable for students without a strong science background.
- MCQs often focus on concepts and application rather than complex calculations.
- Still requires knowledge of scientific processes, formulas, and environmental laws.
- The FRQs emphasize explanation and analysis over rote memorization.
AP Bio Difficulty
- One of the harder AP science courses, with a reputation for heavy memorization plus application skills.
- Requires deep understanding of processes like photosynthesis, cellular respiration, and protein synthesis.
- The FRQs demand precise, evidence-based explanations and often integrate multiple units in one question.
- Recommended for students who have completed high school biology and chemistry with strong grades.
3. Workload
APES Workload
- Steady reading assignments and smaller lab investigations.
- Moderate note-taking demands — often supplemented with case study analysis.
- Less memorization than AP Bio, more focus on cause-and-effect relationships.
AP Bio Workload
- Very heavy in terms of textbook reading, lecture notes, and lab reports.
- Frequent assessments — quizzes, unit tests, and FRQ practice.
- Labs are more data-intensive and may require multiple days.
4. Exam Format Comparison
AP Environmental Science Exam
- Section I: 80 Multiple-Choice Questions – 90 minutes – 60% of score.
- Section II: 3 Free-Response Questions – 70 minutes – 40% of score.
- Question types: Design an investigation, analyze an environmental problem, propose a solution.
AP Biology Exam
- Section I: 60 Multiple-Choice Questions + 6 Grid-In – 90 minutes – 50% of score.
- Section II: 6 Free-Response Questions – 90 minutes – 50% of score.
- 2 Long FRQs (10 points each), 4 Short FRQs (4 points each).
- Requires integration of data analysis, experimental design, and scientific reasoning.
5. College Credit and Prerequisites
- APES: Often accepted as a general science credit or environmental science elective. Less commonly counts toward biology major requirements.
- AP Bio: More frequently fulfills introductory biology with lab requirements for science majors and pre-med tracks.
- College policies vary — check your target universities.
6. Which One Should You Choose?
Choose AP Environmental Science if:
- You’re interested in ecology, sustainability, and global environmental issues.
- You want a lighter workload compared to AP Bio.
- You prefer broader interdisciplinary study rather than molecular detail.
- You are a non-STEM major looking for an AP science credit.
Choose AP Biology if:
- You’re pursuing a STEM major or pre-med track.
- You want a deep, rigorous foundation in biological sciences.
- You are prepared for intensive memorization and data-heavy labs.
- You need a course that is more widely accepted for major requirements.
7. Student Performance and Pass Rates
- APES pass rates are typically around 50–55%, with fewer scoring 5s due to varied background knowledge.
- AP Bio pass rates hover near 65–70%, but achieving a 5 is challenging (often under 10%).
- Success in either depends heavily on consistent practice with past FRQs and multiple-choice sets from the College Board.
8. How to Prepare for Either Course
- Use past FRQs from College Board as your primary free-response prep.
- Incorporate official practice questions to mirror real test conditions.
- Use review books like Princeton Review or Barron’s for condensed study.
- Build a study schedule that leaves time for both concept review and practice tests.
- For AP Bio, prioritize understanding processes, not just memorizing terms.
- For APES, focus on cause-effect reasoning and connecting topics across units.
FAQs
Q: Is AP Environmental Science easier than AP Biology?
A: Generally yes, in terms of workload and depth of content, but APES still requires strong critical thinking and writing skills.
Q: Which AP science should I take if I’m applying for pre-med?
A: AP Biology is far more relevant for pre-med requirements.
Q: Can I take both APES and AP Bio?
A: Yes, many students do — but plan your schedule carefully, as AP Bio is time-intensive.
Q: Which one has more math?
A: AP Bio has more data interpretation and statistical analysis; APES has more basic calculations (e.g., population growth, energy efficiency).
Final Take – RevisionDojo Recommendation
If you’re aiming for a STEM career or medical school, AP Biology is the stronger choice.
If you want to fulfill a science requirement with a broader focus and manageable workload, AP Environmental Science is an excellent pick.
Whichever you choose, the key to scoring high is consistent review of past College Board FRQs and timed practice exams.
For complete APES and AP Bio study schedules, FRQ practice packs, and scoring breakdowns, check out RevisionDojo’s AP Science Hub.
