Scoring a 5 on the AP Environmental Science (APES) exam is not about memorizing random facts—it’s about mastering concepts, application, and strategy. We interviewed students who aced the test, combined their insights, and created this RevisionDojo ultimate guide so you can follow in their footsteps.
1. Start With the College Board CED
Every 5-scorer stressed one thing: know the Course and Exam Description (CED) cold.
- Break the CED into weekly chunks by unit.
- Highlight essential knowledge (EK) statements.
- Create flashcards for each learning objective.
This ensures your study is focused on tested content, not random details.
2. Prioritize the Big Three Units
Multiple 5-scorers agreed:
- Unit 1: Ecosystems
- Unit 5: Land & Water Use
- Unit 7: Atmospheric Pollution
These show up heavily in both MCQs and FRQs. Scoring well here gives you a point cushion for harder units.
3. Make FRQ Practice a Weekly Habit
5-scorers practiced at least 1 FRQ per week for 2–3 months before the exam.
- Use past APES FRQs from College Board.
- Time yourself (90 minutes for all 3 questions).
- Review scoring guidelines and sample high-scoring answers.
Pro tip: Practice labeling diagrams and writing concise, application-focused answers—rambling wastes time.
4. Master Environmental Laws
Almost every 5-scorer mentioned this: know your laws.
- Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, CERCLA, Endangered Species Act, etc.
- Learn what each law does, why it exists, and its major impact.
- Create a one-page law chart for last-minute review.
5. Use Data Interpretation as a Strength
The APES exam loves graphs, tables, and calculations.
- Practice reading axes and identifying trends.
- Get comfortable calculating percent change, growth rates, and energy conversions.
- Use FRQs with data sets to sharpen this skill.
6. Mix Study Methods for Retention
5-scorers didn’t rely on just one study method:
- Quizlet for vocab retention.
- Bozeman Science videos for concept understanding.
- Barron’s or Princeton Review for MCQ drills.
- Self-made diagrams for cycles (nitrogen, carbon, phosphorus).
7. Simulate Exam Conditions
One month before test day, they all did at least one full-length practice exam:
- 80 MCQs in 90 minutes.
- 3 FRQs in 70 minutes.
- Review mistakes immediately to fix weak spots.
8. Common Mistakes They Avoided
- Cramming last minute – they reviewed consistently for months.
- Skipping FRQ practice – big mistake, since FRQs are 40% of the score.
- Ignoring calculator practice – some lost points due to simple math errors.
FAQ – Advice from 5-Scorers
Q: How long did you study for APES?
A: Most studied consistently for 2–3 months, with heavier review in the last month.
Q: Which review book is best?
A: Barron’s for content depth, Princeton Review for speed drills.
Q: Is APES easy to get a 5 in?
A: Easier than AP Chemistry, but still requires strong application skills and data analysis.
Final Thoughts
Getting a 5 in APES isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Use the CED, focus on high-yield units, drill FRQs weekly, and master environmental laws.
