AP Environmental Science (APES) rewards students who can apply concepts to real-world scenarios. But even well-prepared students lose points due to common mistakes — many of which are avoidable.
This RevisionDojo guide breaks down the most frequent errors on the APES exam and shows you exactly how to avoid them.
❌ 1. Forgetting to Show Work on Math FRQs
The mistake:
Students get the right answer but don’t show calculations, leading to lost points.
How to fix it:
- Always write down your formula, plug in numbers, and show each step.
- Include units with every answer.
- Even if unsure, attempt the math — partial credit is common.
❌ 2. Confusing Environmental Laws
The mistake:
Mixing up laws like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act, or forgetting key provisions.
How to fix it:
- Create a law chart with name, year, purpose, and major provisions.
- Review laws weekly so they stick in long-term memory.
❌ 3. Ignoring the Question’s Command Term
The mistake:
Not paying attention to terms like “describe,” “explain,” “identify,” or “calculate” — and losing points for missing detail.
How to fix it:
- Underline or highlight command terms in FRQs.
- Match your answer style to the term:
- Identify → short answer
- Describe → list + detail
- Explain → cause and effect
❌ 4. Misreading Graphs and Data Tables
The mistake:
Jumping to conclusions without reading axis labels, units, or trends carefully.
How to fix it:
- First read the title, axes, and units.
- Identify overall trend before specifics.
- Relate data to APES concepts (e.g., exponential growth, carrying capacity).
❌ 5. Writing Vague FRQ Responses
The mistake:
Answers like “It is bad for the environment” lose points for lack of specificity.
How to fix it:
- Use precise scientific language.
- Replace “pollution is bad” with “eutrophication decreases dissolved oxygen, causing fish kills.”
❌ 6. Forgetting Real-World Examples
The mistake:
Leaving out examples when the question asks for them — or giving irrelevant ones.
How to fix it:
- Memorize 2–3 examples per major unit.
- Use case studies like Chernobyl, Three Gorges Dam, Minamata disease, etc.
❌ 7. Running Out of Time
The mistake:
Spending too long on one FRQ or set of MCQs.
How to fix it:
- MCQs: Aim for ~1 minute each.
- FRQs: Spend 20 minutes per long FRQ, 10 minutes per short FRQ.
- If stuck, skip and return later.
🧾 FAQ – APES Exam Mistakes
Q: Do I lose points for wrong answers on MCQs?
A: No — APES has no penalty for guessing, so answer every question.
Q: How can I improve FRQ writing?
A: Practice with past College Board FRQs and compare your answers to scoring rubrics.
Q: What’s the most avoidable mistake?
A: Not showing units in calculations — easy points lost.
Final Word from RevisionDojo:
Most APES mistakes aren’t about knowledge — they’re about exam technique. If you know these pitfalls now, you can avoid them and boost your score.
