Use this space to trade study strategies, get help with labs and FRQs, and strengthen your grasp of key environmental concepts. Whether you're reviewing biogeochemical cycles, analyzing ecological data, or exploring solutions to human impacts, this section is here to support your learning, build confidence, and prepare you for success on the AP Environmental Science exam.
AP Environmental Science
Course Description
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AP Environmental Science is a college-level course that explores the scientific principles, concepts, and methodologies required to understand the natural world and the impact of human activity. The course emphasizes interdisciplinary thinking, data analysis, and problem-solving through the study of ecosystems, biodiversity, energy resources, pollution, and sustainability. Students investigate environmental issues and propose solutions based on evidence and scientific reasoning.
Key Components:
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Earth Systems and Resources: Study of geology, soil, atmosphere, and water cycles
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Ecosystems and Biodiversity: Exploration of ecological relationships, energy flow, and species interactions
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Human Impacts: Analysis of population growth, resource use, pollution, and climate change
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Environmental Solutions and Policy: Development of sustainable practices and understanding environmental legislation through scientific and ethical lenses
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AP Exam Details
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AP Environmental Science concludes with a traditional end-of-course exam administered by the College Board. Students are assessed on their understanding of environmental concepts, ability to interpret data, and use of scientific reasoning to analyze real-world environmental issues. The exam includes:
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Multiple-choice questions that test knowledge of ecological principles, human impacts, environmental policy, and data interpretation.
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Free-response questions that require students to evaluate scenarios, perform calculations, propose solutions, and explain environmental processes.
These components are scored by the College Board and collectively make up 100% of the AP Environmental Science score.
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Helpful Info
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AP Environmental Science Score Distribution
Big 2025 jump: In 2025, the percentage of students earning a 3 or higher rose significantly to 69%, up from just 54.1% in 2024 — the biggest year-over-year gain in the dataset.
Gradual score stagnation, then spike: From 2021 to 2024, the mean score hovered around 2.79, but in 2025, both the percentage of 5s (12%) and 3s (29%) surged, suggesting either test adjustments or better student prep.
Larger test pool: The number of test takers climbed steadily, rising from about 149,000 in 2021 to over 236,000 in 2024, with 2025 likely surpassing that. Despite this growth, scores improved, which is unusual for a scaling exam.
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