<p>My son is spending his senior year on an AFS exchange in Germany. He'll apply to colleges during that time. Other than making sure he does his visits\interviews before he leaves, and keeps his list pretty short, does anyone have any advice for us as we start the process?</p>
<p>There are a number of applicants from Germany every year (myself included). Most colleges understand that it often takes more time for formalities to work out and almost all understand the German school system (in case your son wants to include his German marks).</p>
<p>That is mostly due to the large presence of US military and civilian families in the country. There are a lot of American highschools and communities. So if he has to retake the SAT or anything he can easily do it in any area. </p>
<p>Also due to that and the central nature of Germany within Europe many colleges have representatives and interview-partners here. I did all my college interviews in Germany and very close to home. So if you ask your adcom he will usually be able to arrange an interview in Germany.</p>
<p>If your son is really competative about the admissions-game tell him to select his course-combination in Germany wisely and to give it his best. If he gets good marks and a note by the teacher that certifies him having done the same work as the German students he will at many colleges qualify for as much as a semester or more of full college credit! German Abitur is highly regarded at US colleges.</p>
<p>Best of luck</p>