AP Environmental Science (APES) Exam Preparation Guide

Overview

• The APES exam is scheduled for May 9th at 8:00 a.m. local time.
• The exam consists of two main sections:
  • Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ):
    • Accounts for 60% of the exam score.
    • 80 questions, each with four answer choices.
    • 90 minutes to complete.
  • Free Response Questions (FRQ):
    • Consists of three questions, each worth 10 points.
    • 70 minutes to complete after a 10-minute break.

Key Strategies for Exam Success

Multiple Choice Section

• Focus on reviewing as much course content as possible.
• Major question categories: Concept explanation and environmental solution questions.

Free Response Section

General Strategies

1. Answer Easier Questions First:

   • Identify and tackle the easiest questions on each FRQ before moving to more challenging ones.
   • Helps in maintaining energy and building confidence.

2. Master Calculations:

   • The third FRQ involves calculations, making up 20% of total FRQ points.
   • Practice these types of math problems for easier points.

Format of FRQs

• Question 1: Scientific investigation:
  • Involves identifying scientific questions, hypotheses, variables, etc.
• Question 2: Environmental problems:
  • May include graphs or maps.
  • Involves proposing solutions and discussing consequences or benefits.
• Question 3: Calculations:
  • Includes three related math problems, focusing on setup and correctness.

Study Plan and Preparation Tips

Key Takeaways

1. Active Content Review:

   • Focus on the content review using active recall techniques.
   • Avoid passive review methods (just reading or watching videos).
   • Use open-ended questions to practice retrieval of information.

2. Focus on Environmental Solutions:

   • Environmental solution questions cover nearly a quarter of the exam.
   • Review environmental problems and solutions for each topic.

3. FRQ Familiarity:

   • Practice writing full sets of FRQs under timed conditions.
   • Identify strengths and weaknesses.
   • Use chief reader reports for insight into common student mistakes.

4. Math Proficiency:

   • Ensure confidence with the math required for the exam.
   • Practice with video resources for common calculation types.

Study Plan Options

• Start reviewing early, with tailored 8-, 6-, and 4-week plans available based on time.
• Prioritize review of all 99 topics, or at least the 20 most related to Environmental Solutions if time-constrained.

Conclusion

• Following this study guide and applying active recall strategies can significantly improve your chances of success.
• Remain calm, review content strategically, and focus on areas of strength during the exam.
• Remember to tackle at least some parts of every FRQ to maximize scores.

Note: This summary is designed to help structure your study routine and understand the critical aspects of preparing for the APES exam.