I remembered a thread on US apps, couldn't find it so made a new one.
Anyone else apply/get decisions?
Lots of PMs asking for advice:
Steps to take:
1.
http://www.educationusa.info/melbourne Go to the undergrad info session
2. Register for, study for, and sit the SAT & 2 subject tests (subj tests optional) (disclosure: i procrastinated on the study for the SAT, but the earlier you start the better. take a practice test right now on collegeboard.com - it is a past official test)
You'll want some books for that.
http://imgur.com/a/oCBh2Check out that, that is a picture of the books I have and are selling.
3. Do other stuff to boost your application, read books on it, especially books on the essays
4. Start essays early (disclosure: I didn't.)
5. Around september get your teacher recs and school stuff organised - you'll probably need to help your head of school with this. they ask for all kinds of weird stuff (including an ATAR estimate!).
6. Apply! I applied early to stanford, deadline was nov 1. And SAT 1 I took in may, sat 2s i took in october. So clogged up this year a bit!