Surviving APES
- Drew Carcellar
- Sep 5, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 4, 2020
We have finally started school! It's confusing and nerve-wracking for most of us, considering the fact that we're started online. Most of you would be taking AP Classes this year, so we've decided to give some tips on how to survive and ace these courses.
So the first one on our list is AP Environmental Science or APES. I took this course back in my sophomore year, and it was the first AP class I've ever taken. The class was challenging at first, but over time, you'll get the hang of it. I'm glad to say that I ended that year well by getting a 4 for the full exam (before the pandemic).
KNOW YOUR BIOGEOCHEMICAL CYCLES
I cannot assert how important this is. Based on what I've seen, most components of the course would be connected to these cycles. APES is not a factual course, it tests you on your understanding of the lessons. Being able to explain the water or nitrogen cycle's step is only the first step. You need to be able to know its role in the environment. I'm sure that FRQs and Multiple Choice Questions would focus on these.
MAKE SURE THAT YOU KNOW SPECIFIC TERMS
APES revolves around concepts from land and water use to pollution and climate change. For each lesson you have, you will encounter terminologies that can either be easy or completely new to you. Teachers would emphasize on what you need to remember for the exam and their course. It may seem daunting at first, but you could always use mediums like Quizlet to start preparing!
REMEMBER FORMULAS, ABBREVIATIONS, ETC.
Knowing these formulas for math, and the abbreviations for compounds, chemicals, and organizations are key to doing well in the course and exam. You'll need to remember formulas to answer the math-related questions. Abbreviations for the laws, treaties, and chemicals are needed. Both parts of the exam test your knowledge on these, so I highly suggest that you learn it too.
BE ABLE TO EXPLAIN EVERY CONCEPT
I would emphasize the fact that APES is not just about knowing the facts, it's about being able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the lesson. The exam won't test you on how well you can answer simple questions. You need to be able to understand these concepts because you will be given situations that connect to these. Every student who has taken the course and test would also say the same thing.
PRACTICE YOUR TEST-TAKING SKILLS
Be it your APES Test, SAT, PSAT, or ACT, these skills are essential! For this test specifically, you have to know how to pace yourself for both parts of the exam. You won't be given an infinite amount of time, so you should time yourself and make sure that you have enough stamina. It is highly suggested that you take a practice test where you time and grade yourself. In that way, you'll know what to practice and how you'll improve yourself.
TAKE NOTES AND DO YOUR RESEARCH
I mean this is pretty self-explanatory. Listening to lectures, attending office hours, and being able to understand the material covered in class is necessary. You would need to do work on your own as well. One thing I would suggest is that you take the time to learn about current events because these are usually included in the FRQs. You can also watch videos to refresh your knowledge on certain topics, be it biomes, energy usage, or agriculture. Don't be that student who reads about everything at the last minute!
AP Environmental Science is an interesting course! There are things that will fascinate or shock you, considering the themes tackled throughout the year. You'll just need to work smart, practice, and remember these tips listed for you. Good luck and enjoy the class!
Check out these sites as well!
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