I just came back from the interview part so I thought I might also add more stuff to this thread for others who also want to apply to a selective school.
RivalryofTroll covered pretty much the scope of the application process, but I'll try add some more to it, only more about hurlstone
The Hurlstone entrance exam is essentially the first step, and what comes after is the interview! The interview will most likely be with the Principal or the Deputy Principal and they take about 10-20 minutes, usually 15minutes on average. The very first thing you'll be asked is why you want to come to Hurlstone. Then they'll follow with other questions like:
-What do you do in your spare time?
-What extracurricular activities or leadership roles have you been a part of?
-What is your most/least favourite subject and why?
-What are your future plans?
-How do you study (personally, not as a general question)?
-Do you know anyone in this school or does/has a sibling went to Hurlstone (they'll ask you for the year they graduated)?
They not only ask you questions, but they will explain a lot of what goes on at their school. So for example, they will tell you the courses they offer, what extracurricular activities they have and also about the farm! Lastly they'll ask you if you have any questions concerning the school, this is a really good chance to show them that you are curious, so ask at least something, even if it's simple.
Tips for the interview:
-Arrive early, maybe 10 minutes before the scheduled time
-Go to the toilet beforehand, the last thing you want is to need to go when they are talking to you
-Eat something and drink some water before you leave home
-Bring along a folder with your awards/reports etc if you want (not really necessary)
-SMILE! Be happy and show they how much you look forward to going
-Try not to look at your watch (you'll appear as though you have a better place to go to and this will leave a bad impression)
-Dress neatly, plenty of people arrive also in their school uniform
-Be honest, they can definitely tell if you are lying
-Make eye contact and try not to fidget too much (I made a mistake of doing this)
-If they ask you about your current school, dont bad mouth it, chances are, they might wonder if you'll talk badly of the school next.
It's alright to be nervous (I was freaked out just earlier today!). Also Ag is compulsory from Year 7-10 but they won't force you to do it in senior years, they do strongly recommend and encourage you to try it though! If you are doing accelerated maths at your current school, or you are wanting to do accelerated at Hurlstone, you'll have to talk to the Head Teacher for maths and he or she will discuss whether you should do it or not.
It's all I can think of right now, a lot of the stuff is probably already said in the original post but I might have been a little too detailed!
Good luck to all that have applied this year and to those wanting to apply in the future!