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5 Best AP Environmental Science Books (2024 Update)

William Cohen
Published by William Cohen
Last Updated On: December 8, 2021

AP Environmental Science is primarily influenced by ecology and energy sources. If you don't have a solid background in science, you'll most likely find this class quite challenging as it contains subject areas not mainly covered in your high school chemistry or biology classes.

Nevertheless, you can make a difference by empowering yourself with the concepts. In this review of the best AP Environmental Science review prep books, you'll find what study material may help you get through the school year.

5 Best AP Environmental Science Books in 2022

1 - Cracking the AP Environmental Science Exam, 2020 Edition: Practice Tests & Proven Techniques to Help You Score a 5 (Editor's Choice)

Cracking the AP Environmental Science

Based on our research, Princeton's Cracking the AP Environmental Science Exam is among the top choices for the best AP Environmental Science books due to its comprehensive and strategic approach.

This Princeton Review prep book includes various exam strategies for each exam question.

Besides two full-length practice tests, you also get online access to the AP portal when solving queries.

At the end of each chapter, there are good keynotes and reviews from the AP experts themselves.

You can also find several engaging activities to assess your progress along the way.

Pros
  • Contains enough practice questions to prepare for the exam
  • Impressive score calculator provided
  • Value for money
  • Well-organized book
  • Good book for higher education
Cons
  • Not for last-minute studying

2 - Barron's AP Environmental Science, 7th Edition: with Bonus Online Tests

Barrons AP Environmental Science

Barron’s AP Environmental Science book offers a comprehensive study guide for your AP exam with additional CD-ROM practice tests. The book contains an overview of each concept so that you can do a quick content review just before the exam.

This environmental science prep book also includes a diagnostics test to pinpoint the test-taker’s strengths and weak areas.

Barron’s AP Environmental Science book offers the following features:

  • Two full-length practice tests, with explanations for the answers to each question
  • A detailed review of all topics with questions and answers to avoid confusion
  • Helpful test-taking strategies and an overview of the test to boost your confidence
  • Diagrams and illustration for better understanding
Pros
  • Detailed AP prep book
  • Best for multiple-choice questions practice
  • Affordable price
  • Reliable resources are used
Cons
  • Not for last-minute studying
  • Several printing mistakes

3 - AP Environmental Science Crash Course Book + Online

AP Environmental Science Crash Course

This crash course book is best for those who don't have a lot of time to study for the AP Environmental science exam. Based on our review, this prep book aims to give you a fast and easy way to study for the AP environmental science exam and eventually boost your score.

It is based on an in-depth analysis of the AP environmental science course description and AP questions. This AP study guide mainly focuses on information tested on the exam to manage your study time properly.

We like how prep books like this include tips from experts on dealing with the multiple-choice questions and the best way to answer the free-response questions.

If you are looking for last-minute Science books, this guide may be the best way to study for your AP environment science exam.

Pros
  • Easy to read
  • Good for last-minute studying
Cons
  • Lack of exercises

4 - Environmental Science for AP - Second Edition

Environmental Science AP

The Environmental Science for the AP Course by Andrew Friedland is also among the top-rated review books for the AP Environmental Science exam. As per our detailed review, the prep book is easy to follow and understand, like Princeton Review.

The book is relatively lightweight and medium-thick, so it is easy to carry around. Based on interviews, the structure of the book is easy to read and understand for a more straightforward preparation.

We like how the book's content offers detailed coverage of the AP Environmental Science exam's material concepts.

Pros
  • Good for last-minute studying
  • Clear and short key concepts
  • Easy to understand
Cons
  • Does not explain the concepts in detail

5 - CliffsNotes AP Environmental Science

CliffsNotes AP Environmental Science

The CliffsNotes AP Environmental Science review book is a prep book that covers the core concepts of AP Environmental Science. The book starts with an introduction to how you should approach each subject and lesson as you progress.

Based on our review, it aims to provide effective test-taking tips and strategies you can use while reviewing and during the examination day.

You'll also find graphs, charts, and illustrations to make it easier for you to understand the topics.

You get access to three full-length practice tests to gauge your progress along the way.

While the books are focused on the actual AP format, we noticed that it missed discussing some important AP Environmental Science concepts further.

Pros
  • Includes three complete practice tests
  • Includes graphs, charts, and illustrations
  • Focused on the actual AP format
Cons
  • Some important concepts are not discussed
  • Not for last-minute studying

Prep Books or Textbooks - What to Get

When it comes to the best AP Environmental Science books, you can choose between a prep book or a textbook. It pays to weigh your options, though, as both these formats come with pros and cons.

With an AP exam textbook, you'll find it more structured and more detailed, making it ideal for long-term use. Most Advanced Placement textbooks, like Princeton Review, also come with full-length practice questions and unit summary discussions so you can track your progress along the way.

One downside for AP Environmental Science textbooks is the price. Since a textbook is more comprehensive, the price is relatively way higher than your regular prep book. Textbooks aren't recommended if you're pressed for time as these course and exam review materials are meant for month-long readings.

On the other hand, a prep book is less expensive since it will most likely come in thinner and more compact. A prep book focuses on the core concepts and covers only the most important AP Environmental Science information. Prep books also provide realistic questions based on the actual exams.

However, prep books are not for beginners. It does not contain a complete discussion of the topic, making it difficult to understand, especially for a first-timer.

When looking for a review material, determine your needs first. You can start by gauging your knowledge level. If you don't possess the necessary foundation, go with comprehensive textbooks. Otherwise, go for a prep book as a more affordable counterpart.

Related AP Textbooks:

Things To Consider

The College Board AP Environmental Science exam is 3 hours long and divided into 2 parts: a multiple-choice section and free-response section.

Note: Calculators are not allowed in this College Board AP Course exam.

  • Section 1: 1 hour and 30 minutes are provided for multiple-choice questions, with a total of 100 questions.
  • Section 2: 1 hour and 30 minutes are provided for solving four free-response questions.

The AP Environmental Science exam is conducted during the 1st week of May.

Related Article: How Much does an AP Test Cost?

What's the Best AP Environmental Science Textbook? We Choose...

Based on our extensive research, we think Princeton's Cracking the AP Environmental Science Exam book deserves the top spot as the most comprehensive study material as you prepare for the AP Environmental Science exam. Aside from the helpful strategies, it also contains a score calculator to assess your progress from time to time.

If you want a book to help you prepare for the AP exam within a short time, the AP environmental science crash course may be the most suitable material for you. As a last-minute study guide, it only uses terms that are most important for the exam.

If the price is not an issue, you can also go with the AP Environmental Science by Andrew Friedland as a short-term study guide.

Cracking the AP Environmental Science

Our #1 Recommendation

Cracking the AP Environmental Science Exam, 2020 Edition: Practice Tests & Proven Techniques to Help You Score a 5

  • Contains enough practice questions to prepare for the exam
  • Impressive score calculator provided
  • Value for money
  • Well-organized book
  • Good book for higher education
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