When deciding which AP courses to take, students often ask: Is AP Environmental Science (APES) worth it for college credit? The answer depends on your goals, intended major, and the schools you’re targeting.
In this guide, we’ll break down credit policies, transfer value, workload considerations, and strategic benefits so you can make an informed choice.
1. Understanding How APES College Credit Works
- APES Exam Score Range: 1–5
- Typical Credit Award: Colleges may grant 3–4 semester credits (often equivalent to one introductory environmental science or general science class) for a score of 3 or higher, though many require a 4 or 5.
- Placement vs. Credit:
- Credit = counts toward graduation requirements
- Placement = allows you to skip a prerequisite without necessarily earning credit
2. College Board’s AP Credit Policy Tool
The easiest way to check if APES credit will count is to use the College Board’s AP Credit Policy Search.
Example policies:
- University of California, Davis: Score of 3+ earns 4 quarter units; fulfills science breadth requirement.
- University of Florida: Score of 3+ satisfies a physical/biological science general education requirement.
- Harvard University: No direct credit, but high scores can place you into higher-level courses.
3. When APES Credit Is Highly Valuable
- If you’re not a STEM major: APES can often satisfy your general science requirement, freeing you to focus on courses in your major.
- If your school has strict credit limits: Taking APES may allow you to skip an intro science class, making room for electives.
- If you plan to graduate early: Those extra credits can accelerate your timeline.
4. When APES Credit May Not Be Useful
- For competitive STEM programs: Many science majors (biology, chemistry, engineering) require you to take their own lab-based courses, regardless of AP scores.
- For pre-med students: Medical schools often prefer (or require) college-level lab sciences taken in person.
- For highly selective universities: Some elite schools accept APES for placement only—not for graduation credit.
5. How APES Compares to Other AP Science Courses for Credit
- Easier to get credit than AP Physics or AP Chemistry at many state schools
- More broadly accepted than AP Computer Science for fulfilling science gen-ed requirements
- Less weight in STEM-heavy majors compared to AP Biology
6. College Majors That Benefit Most from APES Credit
- Environmental Science / Studies
- Sustainability Studies
- Urban Planning
- Geography
- Political Science (policy-focused)
- Business majors (to fulfill science gen-ed)
7. How to Maximize the Value of APES for College Credit
- Target schools that accept a score of 3 or 4 rather than requiring a 5.
- Take APES alongside a lab science in high school to keep STEM options open.
- Save documentation (syllabus, lab reports) in case your future college asks for proof of content coverage.
8. Strategic Non-Credit Benefits of APES
Even if your college doesn’t give direct credit, APES can:
- Prepare you for environmental policy debates in other classes
- Strengthen your writing skills through FRQs
- Build data analysis skills transferable to multiple fields
- Boost your GPA if your school weights AP classes
9. Common Myths About APES Credit
- Myth: “APES is too easy to count for college credit.”
Truth: Many universities still award credit, especially for non-STEM majors. - Myth: “You only get credit if you get a 5.”
Truth: Plenty of schools give credit for a 3 or 4. - Myth: “If I take APES, I don’t have to take any science in college.”
Truth: This is rare—many majors still require specific lab sciences.
10. Real Student Examples
- Sarah, Political Science Major: APES fulfilled her science gen-ed at a state university, saving her from taking a lab course.
- Liam, Biology Major: His APES score only placed him into upper-level classes; he still had to take intro biology with lab.
- Aisha, Business Major: Used APES credit to free up her schedule for an internship semester.
FAQs
Q: If I score a 3, will I still get credit?
Depends on your school—many state universities do, but competitive private colleges may require a 4+.
Q: Is APES easier than other AP sciences?
Generally yes, in terms of math intensity, but it still requires strong memorization and application skills.
Q: Should I take APES just for college credit?
Not necessarily—consider interest level, workload balance, and your major.
Final Takeaway
Is APES worth taking for college credit?
For many non-STEM majors, absolutely—it can satisfy science requirements and give you more flexibility in college. For STEM-heavy paths, its credit may be limited, but the skills and foundational knowledge are still valuable.
