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Format of the APES Exam

he APES exam is three hours long and is divided equally in time between a
multiple-choice section and a free-response section. The multiple-choice
section, which makes up 60% of the final score and lasts 90 minutes, consists of
100 multiple-choice questions and is designed to cover your knowledge and
understanding of environmental science. Thought-provoking problems and
questions based on fundamental ideas are included along with questions based
on the recall of basic facts and major concepts.
The free-response section, which is also 90 minutes long, makes up 40% of
your final score. It contains one data set question, one document-based question,
and two synthesis and evaluation questions. You must organize your answers to
demonstrate reasoning and analytical skills, as well as the ability to write clearly
and concisely.

Questions Commonly Asked About the

APES Exam

Q: WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO PREPARE FOR THE APES EXAM?

A: Don’t wait until the last few weeks in April to start “cramming,” as that
seldom works. Instead, highly successful students use Barron’s AP
Environmental Science and Barron’s AP Environmental Science Flash Cards
starting from the very first day of their high school AP Environmental
Science class. They use this book and the separate flash card set along with
their textbook and class lectures, covering each topic concurrently with their
course schedule. This steady, slower-paced approach, which allows you to
cover more information in greater depth, has proven highly successful.

Q: HOW ARE THE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTIONS GRADED?

A: Section I, worth 60% of the total score, is 90 minutes long and consists of