I've received one formal invite (Flinders, via email), but because I sent some preliminary emails to straighten out how schools would determine my gpa -- my transcripts are whacko, for course order, credits, how my colleges define "levels"...you name it -- I got some feedback and so expect at least one more (unless my posts here really piss them off
).
In other words, just because you haven't heard yet, there's no reason to fear the worst.
I've been planning to visit Australia to see the campuses and have asked each school if I could sit for interviews locally while there (hopefully being tactful enough in the process, since it's still informal for two).
The response by the schools has been mixed, from extreme accommodation (willingness to schedule around my trip), to a potentially flexible scheduled week to play with, to a strict requirement of interviewing on one of two specific days. As a result, the trip will be a bit over 2 weeks. The "official" dates for *local* interviews for int'l students are: UQ = mid-Sept; Flinders = end of Sept / beginning of Oct.; USyd = early Oct.
Apologies for being a bit vague -- I've been helped immensely by a number of posters (Kimberli Cox stands out as one) on this site and so would like to pay that forward by sharing specifics about my communications with the schools, but I also don't want to jinx myself, let alone violate some implied confidentiality.
It does seem to me, however, that it's perfectly reasonable to make pertinent inquiries to the schools, as long as you aren't boorish and don't badger them, and you never know what you'll learn about them in the process (or vice versa). And if they don't want to tell you something, they'll tell you. To me it's fascinating to watch the marketing.
-Pitman
