APES Summer Prep – How to Get Ahead Before the School Year

• 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.