PrepScholar AP Environmental Science Review: Hey there, future environmental scientists. If you’re reading this, you’re probably knee-deep in studying for the AP Environmental Science exam and wondering if PrepScholar’s much-talked-about free review guide is worth your time. I get it—there are a ton of resources out there, and it’s tough to know where to invest your energy.
I was in your shoes last year. I used the PrepScholar guide myself while prepping for the APES exam, and today, I’m breaking down every part of it so you can decide if it’s right for you. This isn’t just another summary; it’s a real, no-fluff review from someone who’s been through the grind.
Let’s dive in.
What Exactly is the PrepScholar AP Environmental Science Review Guide?
PrepScholar’s AP Environmental Science review is a free online study guide published on their blog. It’s written by Christine Sarikas and aims to be a one-stop overview of the entire APES curriculum. The guide breaks down the exam format, outlines key concepts unit-by-unit, and offers study tips and resource recommendations.
At first glance, it’s appealing—it’s structured, seems comprehensive, and yes, it’s free. But how does it hold up under real study pressure? I used it over two weeks during my own prep, and here’s my honest take.
My Hands-On Experience Using This Guide
I remember printing out the guide (it’s long—about 30 pages when saved as PDF) and using it as my primary content review for Units 3 and 5. Here’s what stood out:
The Good:
The writing is clear and approachable. Complex topics like the nitrogen cycle or energy resources are explained in plain English. The unit-by-unit breakdown mirrors the College Board’s course outline, so you won’t miss any major topic. I particularly found the exam format section helpful—it calmed my nerves to know exactly what to expect on test day.
The Not-So-Good:
I quickly noticed the guide is from 2022. While core content hasn’t changed drastically, the exam’s focus shifts slightly each year. Some of the resource links felt outdated, and I wished there were more practice questions embedded within the guide itself. It’s more of a roadmap than a practice toolkit.
Detailed Breakdown: What’s Inside the Guide?
- Exam Format Overview: Accurate and clear. It explains the MCQ and FRQ sections, scoring, and timing.
- Unit Summaries (1-9): Each unit gets a few paragraphs highlighting key ideas. It’s great for last-minute review but lacks the depth needed if you’re struggling with a concept.
- Study and Test-Taking Tips: Generic but practical advice like “make a study plan” and “read questions carefully.”
- Resource Recommendations: This section lists textbooks, websites, and videos. However, some links led to discontinued pages.
Pros and Cons: The Straight Truth
Pros:
- Free and Accessible: No sign-up required. Just open and read.
- Well-Structured: Follows the official APES course sequence.
- Simple Language: Easy to understand, even for non-science students.
- Good Starting Point: If you’re utterly lost, this can orient you.
Cons:
- Dated (2022): Not updated for 2024 exam trends.
- Passive Learning: It’s a read-only guide. No interactivity or checks for understanding.
- Limited Practice: Only a few example questions. You’ll need to look elsewhere for practice tests.
- Surface-Level: Won’t help if you need deep clarification on tough topics.
Pricing Info and Where to Buy
Here’s the best part: the PrepScholar AP Environmental Science review guide is completely free. You don’t buy it; you simply visit their blog and access it. There’s no hidden fee or upsell.
However, PrepScholar also offers a paid AP Environmental Science online course, which includes tutoring, personalized planning, and extensive practice. During my research, I found their paid course often gets discounted. You can check the current price and offers here:
Visit PrepScholar’s Official AP Environmental Science Course Page.
I didn’t opt for the paid course myself, but if you’re someone who needs structured, full-length practice and accountability, it might be worth considering—especially if they’re running a sale.
Who Should Use This Guide?
- The Overwhelmed Beginner: If you’re just starting and need a roadmap, this free guide is a solid first step.
- The Quick Reviewer: If you’ve finished studying and want a concise recap a week before the exam.
- The Budget-Conscious Student: Zero cost, decent value.
Who Should Look Elsewhere?
- The Practice-Hungry Student: You need tons of MCQ and FRQ practice. Look to Albert.io or the College Board’s official resources.
- The Visual Learner: You need videos, infographics, and interactive content. Try Bozeman Science or Khan Academy.
- The 2024 Perfectionist: You want the most current, exam-tailored advice. Consider a 2024-updated prep book like Princeton Review.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth Your Time?
The PrepScholar AP Environmental Science review guide is a helpful free supplement, but it shouldn’t be your only resource. I used it alongside my textbook and practice exams, and that’s where it shined—as a companion, not a main course.
If you’re self-studying, start with this guide to get the lay of the land, then immediately move to active practice with updated materials. And if you’re aiming for a 5, invest in a robust review book or question bank for that critical practice.
5 FAQs from Real Students (That You Won’t Find on PrepScholar)
1. Can I rely solely on the PrepScholar guide to score a 5?
No. The guide is a content overview, not a practice tool. Scoring a 5 requires extensive practice with updated, exam-style questions.
2. How outdated is the 2022 guide for the 2024 exam?
The core science is the same, but exam emphasis, question styles, and environmental policies change. Always cross-reference with the College Board’s latest course description.
3. Does PrepScholar offer anything for FRQ practice?
The free guide has minimal FRQ guidance. Their paid course includes it, but for free FRQ practice, go straight to the College Board’s past questions.
4. Is the paid PrepScholar course better than a review book?
It depends. If you need structure and human support, the course is great. If you’re disciplined, a 2024 Princeton Review or Barron’s book offers similar content at a lower one-time cost.
5. What’s the one thing you wish you knew before using this guide?
I wish I knew it was a starting line, not the finish line. Use it to identify your weak units, then hammer those with targeted videos and practice.
Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal experience using the free PrepScholar AP Environmental Science guide. I am not affiliated with PrepScholar. Some links in this article may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you choose to make a purchase through them. This helps support my work in creating honest, in-depth reviews. I only recommend products I have personally used or thoroughly researched. The PrepScholar guide is free, and my opinions are entirely my own.
Thank you.
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