> In Germany, students are heavily segmented into tracks from an early point in their academic career, and if you're not in the traditional "college" track, tough luck: it's very difficult to get moved.

I heard the last part is changing thanks to "Gesamtschulen" (schools with all 3 tracks and a way to switch after you finish your track).

But anyway, it’s not as if that’s the only way. Vocational training is another way to go to college.