<p>@OP: It’s somewhat difficult to know exactly what to suggest, given that we don’t know exactly how much your current course is offering. To be frank, I probably wouldn’t have suggested taking the AB test if you’re taking the BC class next year and not in calculus this year. But if your pre-cal course covers a significant percentage of the topics, it might be fairly workable.</p>
<p>As far as the review books, I frankly have typically advised that you should find one that speaks well to you about the topics. I’d also try to find some high-quality MC questions to work through (the released exams, if you have access; a quality review book, if you don’t). There’s a stickied thread that talks about the high-quality books, and frankly, I’m not that familiar with them.</p>
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<p>Regarding the “tangential” topic, [Advanced</a> Placement Exams FAQ AP Questions](<a href=“College Board - SAT, AP, College Search and Admission Tools”>Get the Most Out of AP – AP Students | College Board) has information in its first FAQ that specifies that any student can take it. Your school may have a policy that doesn’t “allow” it, but then you are allowed to take it with a neighboring school.</p>