Selecting the right study guide is key to succeeding in the AP® Environmental Science exam. This article compares UWorld, Kaplan, Barron’s, and Princeton Review, evaluating their pros and cons to help you choose the best option.
AP Environmental Science Study Guides Compared: UWorld Vs Others
Choosing the correct study guide is critical to mastering the material. In this section, we'll look at how different resources rank in terms of value and effectiveness.
| Provider | UWorld | Kaplan | Barron's | Princeton Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Format | Print and Digital | Print and Online | Print and Online | |
| Standout Features |
|
Currently, Kaplan provides the Barron's AP Environmental Science Premium study guide. |
|
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| Relevance | Up-to-date | Up-to-date | Up-to-date | 2024 Edition |
| Price | $29 | $21 (*Barron’s Book) | $18 | $18 |
UWorld APES
When it comes to study materials for AP Environmental Science, UWorld stands out for several compelling reasons:
- Enhanced Visual Design: With vibrant, colored visuals, UWorld clarifies complex environmental science concepts, making the material more engaging and accessible.
- Flexible Format Options: UWorld offers both print and digital versions, accommodating diverse learning preferences and allowing students to choose what works best for them.
- Check-for-Understanding questions: At the end of each topic, UWorld provides Check-for-Understanding questions to help you test your knowledge and fully understand a topic before moving on to the next.
- Consistent Content Updates: UWorld regularly updates its materials to align with the latest AP exam blueprints, ensuring that students study the most relevant and accurate content.
- Proven Track Record in Education: UWorld is recognized for its success in preparing students for high-stakes exams across various fields, including medicine, law, and finance. This expertise translates into high-quality educational resources that meet the rigorous demands of AP courses.
Want to elevate your exam prep further? Check out our AP Environmental Science prep course, which includes additional resources like the QBank and fun, bite-sized videos.
UWorld's Legacy: Proven Success with High-Stakes Exam Preparation
UWorld is well-known for its success in preparing students for high-stakes tests in various areas, including medicine, law, and finance. This considerable expertise not only confirms its dedication to educational excellence but also results in high-quality resources specifically tailored to meet the stringent requirements of AP courses. UWorld assures that its study resources are not only comprehensive but also successful in assisting students in achieving their academic goals by using proven tactics and approaches from a variety of professional exam preparations.
Kaplan
Pros:
Kaplan’s AP Environmental Science study guide organizes information logically, making it easy to navigate through key topics. It includes a variety of practice questions for self-assessment and offers practical exam strategies, like time management and understanding question formats.
Limitations1:
- Kaplan covers core material well, but may not cover advanced concepts well.
- Kaplan’s guide does not provide enough practice or guidance for mastering the FRQ section of the APES exam, which is critical for scoring well.
- Kaplan’s guide has a dense, unengaging presentation, which can make studying feel monotonous. It may not be the best fit for self-studying students, especially those without a strong background in environmental science.
Barron's
Pros:
- Barron’s offers detailed explanations and challenging practice problems, making it great for students seeking a thorough understanding and focused study. It also includes diagnostic exams to help students identify strengths and weaknesses for more targeted preparation.
Limitations2,3,4:
- Barron's explanations may be too detailed for some pupils, especially those who are new to the subject.
- Students who require visual aids may find the text-heavy style tiresome when studying.
- Barron's, like Kaplan, may fail to update its information regularly to reflect the most recent AP curriculum revisions, resulting in potential knowledge gaps.
Princeton Review
Pros:
Princeton Review’s AP Environmental Science guide presents content clearly and approachably, balancing depth with readability. It includes practice exams that closely mirror the AP format, allowing students to familiarize themselves with the exam structure. Additionally, the guide provides effective strategies for answering questions efficiently, which is key for managing time during the exam.
Limitations5:
- Compared to Barron's, Princeton Review may not explore certain areas extensively enough, leaving experienced students seeking more information.
- While Princeton Review's materials are generally aligned with AP requirements, slight changes to the AP curriculum may not always be reflected in them.
Importance of Mastering AP Environmental Science
Choosing the AP Environmental Science course is important for various reasons:
- Understanding Environmental concerns: This course provides unique insights into critical environmental concerns, preparing students to participate in conversations about sustainability, conservation, and ecological challenges.
- Opportunity for College Credit: High AP exam scores can result in college credit or placement out of beginning environmental science classes, saving students time and money in their college studies.
- Enhancing College Applications: Excelling in AP Environmental Science displays a student's capacity to handle a difficult curriculum, making them more competitive for college applications.
- Essential Knowledge for STEM Disciplines: Students aspiring to jobs in science, environmental policy, or sustainability must possess a robust comprehension of environmental science.
- Perpetual competencies: The critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills acquired in AP Environmental Science are applicable across other disciplines, enhancing students' prospects for future academic and professional success.
UWorld APES: Why Use It?
UWorld is renowned for its effective preparation of students for challenging examinations across all disciplines, including medicine, law, and business. This level of competence demonstrates a commitment to delivering optimal education and producing high-quality materials specifically tailored to satisfy the rigorous requirements of AP courses. The study materials on UWorld are comprehensive and assist students in achieving their academic objectives using established methods and strategies from various professional exam preparations.
References
- u/Envirosapien. (2021, March 22). APES resources + self-study that I've used [Online forum post]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/APEnvironmental/comments/mc83dg/apes_resources_self_study_that_ive_used/
- u/YellowPancakes6. (2022, June 10). Barron's or Princeton Review for APES? [Online forum post]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/APStudents/comments/vkvsup/barrons_or_princeton_review_for_apes/
- u/Archordion. (2022, June 10). Comment on "Hot take on AP test prep books." [Comment]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/APStudents/comments/1eb25q7/comment/leptwfx/
- u/[deleted]. (2022, June 10). Comment on "The age old rivalry: Barron’s or Princeton" [Comment]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/APStudents/comments/bkq9ht/comment/emj2397/
- u/[Legitimate-King-5187]. (n.d.). Is it just me or does Princeton Review suck? [Online forum post]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/APStudents/comments/1cepebl/is_it_just_me_or_does_princeton_review_suck/
