AP® Environmental Science (APES) Scoring Guide

Our AP® Environmental Science (APES) exam guide discusses all the scoring guidelines, rubrics, and distributions.
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This article explores the AP credit and placement policies of several colleges, helping you understand how your AP score may impact your future academic opportunities. Whether you're aiming to score high or simply aiming for improvement, this guide will be a valuable resource in your preparation.

AP Environmental Science Score Map

The AP Environmental Science exam is divided into 2 sections. Section 1 consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), and Section 2 consists of free-response questions (FRQs). You will complete both sections on BluebookTM, the digital platform used for the exam. The MCQs are graded by computer, with each correct answer contributing to the multiple-choice score. The free-response section, which includes essays and performance tasks, is scored at the annual AP Reading in June by college professors and experienced AP teachers.

To determine your final AP Environmental Science exam score, the raw scores for both sections are first calculated. Next, the raw section scores are combined to generate a composite score. Finally, the composite score is converted to a scaled score ranging from 1 to 5 through a statistical process to determine your final AP Environmental Science exam score.

Our AP Environmental Science Study Guide, available in digital and print, will help you master key concepts and score higher.

AP Environmental Science Scoring Guidelines and Rubrics

The score of the APES MCQ section is determined by the number of questions you answer correctly. There is no penalty for incorrect answers or unanswered questions, so make your best guess. In contrast, the AP Environmental Science exam score map of the FRQ sections depends on how well you analyze and respond to the prompt in each question. Since there is no single correct answer in the APES FRQ section, exam graders use the rubric below to maintain consistency in the scoring structure.

Reporting Category Points Scoring Criteria
Identify
(0-1 point)
1 point To identify the required information present in the question in the form of study, data, diagram, graph, or example.
Describe
(0-1 point)
1 point To describe why and how certain events and experiments result the way they do (as per the data/information given in the question).
Explain
(0-1 point)
1 point To explain how and why certain events and experiments affect, support, or refute an occurrence. (Support your answer with specific examples or relevant information.)
Make a Claim
(0-1 point)
1 point To make a claim about an event or experience, given in the question - whether it is true or false. (Support your answer with specific examples or relevant information.)
Justify
(0-1 point)
1 point To justify the action or solution proposed in the question. (Support your answer with specific examples or relevant information.)
Propose
(0-1 point)
1 point To propose a solution to the problem or situation given in the question.
Calculate & Show your work (0-1 point) 1 point To do the necessary calculations as per the information required in the question. Remember to show your work neatly and legibly.

AP Environmental Science Scoring Table

When you receive your results, the only score displayed will be your final AP Environmental Science score map, ranging from 1 to 5. You will not see your composite score or raw section scores on your score report. Note that the following criteria are used by colleges and universities to determine which students qualify for college credit and/or placement.

AP Exam Score Qualification College Grade Equivalent
5 Extremely well-qualified A+ or A
4 Very well-qualified A-, B+, or B
3 Qualified B-, C+, or C
2 Possibly Qualified
1 No recommendation

Generally, a score of 3 or higher is considered a good AP Environmental Science score for AP students. Remember, every college has its own AP credit policy, so be sure to go through the official website of your prospective colleges well ahead of time to know all the AP credit policies and requirements.

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AP Environmental Science Score Distributions

Every year, thousands of students from all around the world take the APES exam. In 2024, out of 236,579 students who took the AP ES exam, 54.1% received a score of 3 or higher. Let's look at the APES score distribution from 2020 to 2024.

Score 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020
% of Students
5 9.2% 8.27% 8.9% 7.0% 11.9%
4 27.5% 28.38% 27.4% 24.9% 28.5%
3 17.4% 17.01% 17.5% 18.5% 13.0%
2 25.8% 26.39% 25.9% 27.6% 25.5%
1 20.1% 19.94% 20.3% 22.1% 21.0%

AP Environmental Science Minimum Score Requirement for College Credits

To be eligible for credit and/or placement, most colleges require students to score a minimum of 3 on the AP Environmental Science exam.

To save you time, we have compiled a list of a few colleges and their AP Environmental Science credit policies and score map. Keep in mind that admission policies and AP credit requirements can change, so be sure to check the specific requirements of your prospective colleges before applying.

Institution AP Score AP Recognition Equivalent Course Credits
Colorado State University 3/4/5 Credit
+
Placement
NR 1++3L 3 credits
Oregon State University 3/4/5 Credit
+
Placement
ENSC LDT 4 credit
Rutgers University 4/5 Credit
+
Placement
11:375:101 3 credits
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry 3/4/5 Credit
+
Placement
- 3 credits
Texas A&M University 3/4/5 Credit
+
Placement
GEOS 105 3 credits
University of California, Davis 3/4/5 Credit
+
Placement
Environmental Science and Policy 10 4 credits
University of Lynchburg 4/5 Credit
+
Placement
ENVS 111, 112 8 credits
University of Texas at Austin 3/4/5 Credit
+
Placement
GEO 302P 3 Credits
University of Vermont 3/4/5 Credit
+
Placement
ENSC 1010 3 credits

Use UWorld's AP Environmental Science practice tests to prepare for the exam and achieve your target score. These resources are designed to assist you in achieving your desired score by emphasizing crucial topics, tracking your progress, and enhancing your areas of improvement. Start your free trial today!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

APES scores are generally released in July. You need to log in with your College Board® account to access your results. 

A good AP Environmental Science score is typically a 3 or higher. This demonstrates proficiency in the subject and may earn college credit or advanced placement. To improve your score, focus on understanding key topics (e.g., ecosystems, pollution), practice with sample questions, and manage your time effectively during the exam. 

Yes. A 4 is considered a good score. Many universities prefer AP Environmental Science scores above 3 for college credits and advanced placement. 

The pass rate of the AP Environmental Science exam was 54.1% in 2024 and 53.7% in 2023. 

You can definitely achieve a score of 5 with the appropriate study materials, an effective study strategy, and reliable review resources. Join thousands of students using UWorld’s AP Environmental Science Course to prepare efficiently! 

A’s and 5’s in APES Are Within Reach!
Our AP Environmental Science prep course simplifies difficult science concepts.
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References

  1. (2024). How are AP Exams scored? (n.d.) AP Students. Retrieved on December 17, 2024, from https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/help-center/how-are-ap-exams-scored
  2. (2024). Student Score Distribution. AP Central. Retrieved on December 17, 2024, from https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/about-ap-scores/score-distributions/ap-environmental-studies

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