AP^® Environmental Science Score Calculator

How Is The AP Environmental Science Exam Structured?

The AP Environmental Science exam consists of two main sections:

Total exam time: 2 hours 40 minutes

Section Details

• Section 1: Multiple Choice

  • 80 questions testing environmental science concepts

  • Includes both individual and set-based questions:

    • 3-4 sets with quantitative data (tables, charts, graphs)

    • 3-4 sets with qualitative data (models, maps)

    • 2 sets with text-based sources

• Section 2: Free Response

  • Question 1: Design an investigation based on an environmental scenario

  • Question 2: Analyze an environmental problem and propose a solution

  • Question 3: Analyze an environmental problem with calculations

Calculator Policy

A four-function (with square root), scientific, or graphing calculator may be used on both sections of the exam.

Scoring Process

The AP Environmental Science exam uses a weighted scoring system that combines your performance on both sections. The multiple-choice section accounts for 60% of your score, and the free-response section makes up the other 40%.

Your raw scores from each section are converted into a composite score, which is then converted to the final AP score of 1-5. The distribution of scores from the most recent exam was:

What Is A Good Score?

A score of 3 or higher is generally considered passing, though many top colleges only award credit for scores of 4 or 5. For college admissions purposes, a 4 or 5 is considered a strong score.

To earn a high score (4 or 5), students typically need to demonstrate:

• Strong understanding of environmental science concepts and principles

• Ability to analyze environmental data and results

• Skills in interpreting graphs, charts, and scientific models

• Clear scientific writing and communication

• Application of environmental concepts to real-world scenarios