If you’re planning to take AP Environmental Science (APES), summer is your secret weapon. While most students wait until September to start, you can walk into the first class already ahead, confident in key concepts, lab skills, and test strategies.
This guide will walk you through exactly what to study, how to practice, and which habits to build so you begin APES with a major advantage.
Why Summer Prep Matters for APES
Unlike some AP classes, APES combines science content, math skills, and environmental policy knowledge. Starting early means:
- You reduce the workload stress during the school year
- You have more time to master challenging units
- You can practice AP-style questions before the pace accelerates
- You’ll be familiar with common lab techniques from day one
Step 1: Understand the APES Exam Structure
Knowing the test format in advance will help you study more strategically.
- Section I – Multiple Choice (80 questions, 90 minutes)
- 60 discrete questions
- 20 in sets with data, graphs, or scenarios
- Section II – Free Response (3 FRQs, 70 minutes)
- 1 experimental design/data analysis question
- 1 environmental problem analysis
- 1 solution proposal
Summer goal: Learn to identify common question types and practice answering in AP format.
Step 2: Pre-Study Key Units
Not all APES units are equal in difficulty. These are high-priority summer topics:
- Unit 1 – Ecosystems
Learn energy flow, food webs, and biogeochemical cycles. - Unit 2 – Biodiversity
Focus on ecosystem services and island biogeography theory. - Unit 4 – Earth Systems & Resources
Brush up on the rock cycle, soil types, and plate tectonics. - Unit 5 – Land & Water Use
Understand agricultural practices, forestry, and fishing impacts.
Step 3: Build Your Math and Data Skills
APES has math, but it’s applied—not pure theory. Over the summer, practice:
- Unit conversions (hectares to acres, joules to kilowatt-hours)
- Rule of 70 for population doubling time
- Percent change calculations
- Graph reading and interpretation
Step 4: Learn APES-Specific Vocabulary Early
Many APES MCQs are vocabulary traps. Start a Quizlet set or notebook for:
- Ecological terms (carrying capacity, keystone species)
- Pollution types (point vs. nonpoint)
- Policy names (Clean Air Act, Endangered Species Act)
Step 5: Get Familiar with Environmental Case Studies
FRQs often reference real-world examples. Research:
- Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear accidents
- Dust Bowl agricultural impacts
- DDT and bioaccumulation
- Ozone depletion and the Montreal Protocol
Step 6: Practice Mini-FRQs Weekly
Over the summer, aim to answer 1–2 past FRQs per week from the College Board. Focus on:
- Direct, bullet-point answers
- Matching rubric keywords
- Writing under time limits
Step 7: Develop Study Habits Now
Summer is the perfect time to experiment with study methods so you know what works before the year starts:
- Active recall with flashcards
- Spaced repetition scheduling
- Note-taking styles (Cornell notes, mind maps)
Step 8: Engage with APES in Real Life
Hands-on experiences make content stick:
- Visit nature reserves, farms, or recycling centers
- Track your household’s water and energy use
- Start a compost bin or small garden
Step 9: Gather Your Resources Before Class Begins
Suggested summer toolkit:
- Textbook or review book (Barron’s APES, Princeton Review)
- Official College Board FRQs (2010–present)
- AP Classroom access (if available)
- Quizlet sets for all 9 units
- YouTube channels like Bozeman Science & Heimler’s History
Step 10: Set a Light Summer Study Schedule
Example 6-week plan:
- Weeks 1–2: Unit 1 + Unit 2, vocab lists, FRQ practice
- Weeks 3–4: Unit 4 + Unit 5, math drills, environmental laws
- Weeks 5–6: Review + practice test under timed conditions
1–2 hours a week is enough to make a big difference.
FAQs
Q: Do I need to learn all 9 units before school?
No—focus on foundational units and vocabulary.
Q: Should I buy a prep book now or later?
Now is better—so you can use it as a summer learning guide.
Q: Can summer prep really help my score?
Yes—students who start early tend to score higher because they’re less stressed during the fast-paced school year.
Final Takeaway
Summer prep for AP Environmental Science isn’t about cramming—it’s about laying the foundation for a successful year. With just a few hours each week, you can start APES confident, prepared, and already thinking like an environmental scientist.
Want a ready-to-use APES summer study kit?
Download RevisionDojo’s APES Summer Prep Pack with flashcards, FRQ rubrics, and weekly study plans to make the most of your break.
