If you’re searching for an AP Environmental Science review, you’ve likely stumbled upon PrepScholar’s popular free guide. Promising a one-stop resource, it seems almost too good to be true. I used this guide extensively during my own APES prep journey last year. Today, I’m breaking down everything—the good, the bad, and the missing pieces—to help you decide if it should be your main study tool.
Let’s get straight to the point: The PrepScholar AP Environmental Science review is a solid, well-structured free resource that excels at explaining core concepts in plain English. However, it’s not a complete solution. Think of it as a strong foundation, but you’ll need to bring the practice walls and exam-day roof yourself.
What’s Inside the PrepScholar APES Review Guide?
The guide is structured like a traditional blog post but is surprisingly comprehensive. Here’s what you actually get:
- Unit-by-Unit Breakdown: It walks through all nine APES units, summarizing key topics like ecosystems, biodiversity, and energy resources. The explanations are clear and avoid overly academic jargon.
- Exam Format Overview: It clearly outlines the MCQ and FRQ sections, number of questions, and timing—a great primer for beginners.
- Study & Test-Taking Tips: You’ll find general advice on creating a study schedule and tackling different question types.
- Links to External Resources: It points you toward other helpful websites and book recommendations.
My Hands-On Experience: The Real Strengths
Having used this guide alongside my textbook, here’s where it genuinely helped me:
- Clarity Overwhelming: When my textbook was too dense, PrepScholar’s summaries cut through the noise. Their section on LD50 and dose-response curves finally made sense after reading their simple analogy.
- Perfect for Last-Minute Concept Review: The week before the exam, I didn’t reopen my 500-page textbook. I skimmed this guide’s unit summaries to refresh my memory on key ideas. It’s incredibly efficient for that purpose.
- Zero Cost, Real Value: For a free resource, the depth is impressive. It saved me hours I would have spent making my own unit summaries.
The Critical Weaknesses & What’s Missing
This is where my excitement waned. To rely solely on this guide is a mistake.
- Dated Information (The Biggest Flaw): The guide’s core content feels frozen in time, likely from around 2022. The APES course and exam underwent significant updates for the 2023-2024 school year, especially in weighting and focus areas. PrepScholar hasn’t fully reflected these critical changes, which is a major red flag for a high-stakes exam.
- Severe Lack of Practice: This guide explains the what, but not the how to apply. There are very few practice questions, and no full-length practice test. Understanding a concept is different from answering an exam question about it. This lack of application is its Achilles’ heel.
- Surface-Level on Complex Topics: For tricky, math-heavy topics like energy calculations or population modeling, the guide only offers a basic definition. I had to turn to YouTube (Bozeman Science was a savior) and actual practice problems to master them.
- Passive Promotion: The entire guide subtly funnels you toward PrepScholar’s paid AP prep courses. While not overly aggressive, it’s a constant reminder that the free content is a teaser for a more comprehensive paid product.
PrepScholar vs. The Competition: Where Should You Spend Your Time?
Let’s be real: You need more than one resource. Here’s how PrepScholar stacks up.
| Resource | Best For | Cost | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| PrepScholar Guide | Conceptual Overview & Cramming | Free | Excellent, clear summaries of all units. |
| Official College Board AP Classroom | Most Accurate Practice | Free (if school provides) | Real, released FRQs and progress checks. Non-negotiable. |
| Khan Academy AP/College Environmental Science | Foundational Learning & Gaps | Free | High-quality videos and bite-sized practice. |
| Princeton Review / Barron’s Book | Comprehensive Practice & Drills | ~$15-$20 | Full practice tests, detailed answer explanations. |
| Albert.io | Targeted, Adaptive Practice | Paid (~$/mo) | Huge bank of MCQs by skill, tracks your weaknesses. |
Verdict: Use the PrepScholar guide as your free study outline, but immediately pair it with the College Board’s AP Classroom for official practice and a review book (Princeton Review is my top pick) for rigorous drills.
Pricing, Value, and Where to Buy
Let’s talk logistics.
- This Guide’s Price: Free. You pay nothing for the blog post review guide itself.
- PrepScholar’s Paid Product: The guide promotes PrepScholar’s comprehensive paid AP tutoring programs. These are significant investments, often costing several hundred dollars. They offer more structure, personalized planning, and extensive practice.
- Is the Paid Program Worth It? It depends on your budget and learning style. If you are a highly self-motivated student who can use free and low-cost resources (Khan Academy + a review book + AP Classroom), you can achieve a 5 without the paid course. However, if you need rigid structure, accountability, and a curated all-in-one system, and cost is not a primary concern, then exploring PrepScholar’s paid option might make sense. You can check current pricing and plans directly on the PrepScholar website.
My Recommendation for Most Students: Start 100% free. Combine the PrepScholar guide (for concepts) + College Board AP Classroom (for official practice) + Khan Academy (for video explanations). If after a month you feel lost and need more, then consider investing in a physical review book ($15-20). A paid online course like PrepScholar’s should be a last resort for those who need maximum guidance.
Final Verdict: Who Is This Guide Actually For?
Use the PrepScholar AP Environmental Science review if: You need a free, well-written cliff-notes version of the entire course to build your initial understanding or cram before the exam. It’s a fantastic supplemental outline.
Look elsewhere if: You need updated (post-2023) course alignment, actual practice questions, deep dives into math-inclusive topics, or a complete, stand-alone study solution. Do not make this your only resource.
In the end, no single free guide can replace a multi-resource strategy. Use PrepScholar’s strengths to your advantage, but fill its gaps with the powerful, often free, tools provided by the College Board itself. Good luck—you’ve got this!
AP Environmental Science review: FAQs
1. Is the PrepScholar APES review guide enough to get a 5?
No, it is not. It lacks the updated practice questions and full-length exams necessary to apply knowledge and build test-day stamina. Consider it a strong foundation, not the entire house.
2. How current is the information in the guide?
This is its main weakness. The core content doesn’t fully reflect the important updates made to the AP Environmental Science exam for the 2023-2024 school year. Always cross-reference key topics with the official College Board course description.
3. Does PrepScholar offer a paid version of this guide?
The guide itself is free. It serves as an introduction to PrepScholar’s paid, comprehensive AP tutoring programs, which include more personalized planning, instruction, and practice.
4. What’s the single best free resource to pair with this guide?
The official AP Classroom portal on the College Board website. If your teacher has enabled it, it contains essential, course-aligned practice questions and released Free-Response Questions (FRQs) that are invaluable.
5. I’m on a tight budget. What’s the most cost-effective study plan?
- Use the PrepScholar guide for unit summaries.
- Master concepts with Khan Academy’s AP/College Environmental Science videos.
- Practice with all available resources in AP Classroom.
- Invest ~$20 in a physical Princeton Review or Barron’s book for high-quality practice tests and final review. This combination provides immense value for under $25.
Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal experience and analysis as a former AP student. I strive to provide honest, unbiased information to help you make the best decisions. Some links in this article, including those to PrepScholar’s website, may be affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you decide to purchase their paid service. This does not influence my review or recommendation—I always prioritize highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of any resource. Your trust is the most important thing.
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Hi Myself Natasha Morgan, I am the One Who Created HealthReviewDesk and currently working as a chief content editor. At this website I focus on Informative and useful content and product reviews related to your health and wellness such as weight loss, neuropathic pain, joint pain and much more.