AP® Environmental Science Scoring Guide
If you are preparing for your AP® Environmental Science exam, an important first step is to thoroughly understand how the exam is graded in order to set your goal and create a prep strategy. This all-in-one APES scoring guide discusses all the exam scoring guidelines, rubrics, and distributions, and also explores the AP credit and placement policies of a few colleges.
How Is the AP Environmental Science Exam Scored?
The AP Environmental Science exam is divided into two sections. Section I consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQ) and is digitally graded by computer, whereas Section II consists of free-response questions (FRQ) and is manually graded by AP teachers and college professors.
To determine your final AP Environmental Science exam score, first, the raw scores of both sections are calculated. Next, the raw section scores are combined to generate a composite score. Lastly, the composite score is converted to a scaled score of 1 to 5 using a statistical process to get your final AP Environmental Science exam score.
AP Environmental Science Scoring Guidelines & Rubrics
The score of the MCQ section is determined by the number of questions you answer correctly. There is no penalty for incorrect answers or questions you leave blank, so make your best guess. On the other hand, the score of the FRQ sections depends on how well you analyze the prompt in the question. Since there is no one correct answer in the FRQ section, the exam graders use the below rubric to maintain consistency in the scoring structure.
| Reporting Category | Points | Scoring Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Identify (0-1 point) |
1 pt. | To identify the required information present in the question in the form of study, data, diagram, graph, or example. |
| Describe (0-1 point) |
1 pt. | 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 pt. | To explain how and why certain events and experiments are affecting, supporting, or refuting an occurrence. (Support your answer with specific examples or relevant information.) |
| Make a Claim (0-1 point) |
1 pt. | 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 pt. | To justify the action or solution proposed in the question. (Support your answer with specific examples or relevant information.) |
| Propose (0-1 point) |
1 pt. | To propose a solution to the problem or situation given in the question. |
| Calculate & Show your work (0-1 point) |
1 pt. | 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 get your results, the only score displayed will be your final AP Environmental Science score, ranging from 1 to 5. You will not find your composite score or your raw section scores on your score report. Note that the following criteria are used by colleges and universities to identify students who 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 in order to know all the AP credit policies and requirements.
AP Environmental Science Score Distributions
Every year, thousands of students from all around the world take the APES exam. In 2023, out of 209,7571 students who took the AP ES exam, 53.67% (112,573 students) received a score of 3 or higher. Let's look at the distribution of AP Environmental Science scores from 2023 to 2020.
| Score | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. of Students | % of Students | No. of Students | % of Students | No. of Students | % of Students | No. of Students | % of Students | |
| 5 | 17,357 | 8.27% | 16,006 | 8.9% | 11,179 | 7.0% | 19,391 | 11.9% |
| 4 | 59,527 | 28.38% | 49,226 | 27.4% | 39,998 | 24.9% | 46,233 | 28.5% |
| 3 | 35,689 | 17.01% | 31,557 | 17.5% | 29,714 | 18.5% | 21,196 | 13.0% |
| 2 | 55,358 | 26.39% | 46,581 | 25.9% | 44,333 | 27.6% | 41,489 | 25.5% |
| 1 | 41,826 | 19.94% | 36,587 | 20.3% | 35,547 | 22.1% | 34,160 | 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 3 on the AP Environmental Science exam.
Here, we have compiled a list of a few colleges to save you from the hassle of looking up their AP environmental science credit policy. Note that the admission policies of different colleges are subject to change. Don’t forget to check the requirements of your prospective colleges before applying for admissions.
| Institution | AP Score | AP Recognition | Equivalent Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado State University | 3/4/5 | Credit + Placement |
Global Environmental Systems | 3 credits |
| Oregon State University | 3/4/5 | Credit + Placement |
Environmental Science Elective | 4 credit |
| Rutgers University | 4/5 | Credit + Placement |
Introduction to Environmental Sciences | 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 |
Introduction to Environmental Geoscience | 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 |
Environmental Science and Sustainability I and II | 8 credits |
| University of Texas | 3/4/5 | Credit + Placement |
Sustaining a Planet | 4 Credits |
| University of Vermont | 3/4/5 | Credit + Placement |
Introduction to Environmental Sciences | 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)
When do AP environmental science scores come out?
The AP ES scores are generally released in July. You need to log in with your College Board® account to access your results.
What is a good AP Environmental Science score?
A good AP Environmental Science exam score typically falls within the range of 3 to 5. These scores indicate mastery of the subject matter and can often earn college credit or advanced placement in environmental science courses at many colleges and universities.
There are several strategies you can employ to increase your AP Environmental Science score:
- Understand the content, including topics such as ecosystems, biodiversity, pollution, and resource management.
- Practice with past exams and realistic sample questions to strengthen these skills, like interpreting data, evaluating arguments, and making connections between different concepts.
- Answer the question you are most confident about first.
- Ensure you have enough time to answer all questions thoroughly while allowing time for review.
Is a 4 on AP Environmental Science good?
What is the pass rate of the AP Environmental Science exam?
Is it possible to get a 5 on AP Env Science while self-studying for the 2023 exam?
You can definitely achieve a score of 5 with the appropriate study materials, an effective study strategy, and reliable review resources.
References
- (2023).Student Score Distribution. AP Central. Retrieved on January 25, 2024, from
https://apcentral.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/ap-score-distributions-by-subject-2023.pdf - (2024).2023 AP Score Distributions. AP Central. Retrieved on January 25, 2024, from
https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/about-ap-scores/score-distributions
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