Your son is applying for Year 9, right? AA's staff is good though I'm not using them. My son will have his interview this week and will have another interview by end-October. He will also take the entrance test in October and January 2014 respectively.
We target at top UK schools and also applied thru AA. Will take the interviews on coming Monday during their TOP SCHOOLS WEEK.
So far their consultant is responsive to my calls and emails, revert within the day. I am quite happy with them ar.
No need to fly to Uk for interview unless you want to visit the school.
I applied school by myself because I applied for day school. I submited the forms and emailed the certs to the school direct. I did the entrance exam and skype at Academic Asia. Academic Asia offered a place, received and sent the paper from and to school, and charged $800 for handling/sevice charge.
It's difficult to visit the school because the school normally will close for upgrade renovations during term breaks like summer, xmas and easter.
The only good timing is Chinese New Year. You can inspect the dorm and facilities, meet the students, otherwise you have to take some school days off.