Calculus AB is only algebra extension. The knowledge of vector differentiation in Calculus BC is required for engineering.
“Won’t look good” doesn’t mean “bad”. It just means if college have most engineering applicants with Calculus BC will get much better edge getting their choice of major.
“Minimum requirements” of precalculus won’t even cut it. Many good engineering colleges (even public ones) already assume students know kinematics based vector differentiation and won’t cover them in their Calculus I/II classes. The next engineering differential equation will be too tough for those without the foundation of Calculus BC.