I am currently a senior in high school. I am a great student and I plan to attend a prestigious univeristy. However, I am currently considering going on a student exchange program to Germany for a year when I graduate high school. This program will not give me any credit and I would therefore have to apply to a university as a freshman when I get back from Germany.
I was wondering if anyone knew how colleges see this. Do universities prefer if you apply right out of high school?

Personally, I think most colleges would love that you have been abroad. However, I would consider applying to the university and starting the semester after graduation. Talk to the university that you plan to attend and ask about their study abroad programs and go to Germany that way because you will receive the experience of travel abroad, but also credit towards your degree. I do have one concern over taking a year off and that is because some who take time off from school end up falling out of the groove and not finishing their degrees. Basically, start college right away because most schools, if not all, have study abroad programs that will give you what you desire. In addition, your travel will likely be covered through the tuition that you would pay to the university.