Ummm I wasn't adviced at all when I was in JC (I guess that's the difference between a bottom five JC and a top five JC) but I think you use projected A Level grades in your second year. I'm not sure about prelim results. For Yale though, they did specifically say that if your official A Level grades are not available when you apply, you should get your school to project your grades and send those in.
As for CCA's and such, definitely stuff your resume with really impressive things 'cause extra cirriculars TOTALLY matter. My CCA's are total crap so I don't even know why I'm applying to Yale. I suppose I like the angst and pain of getting a rejection. Whatever.
Melt: DEFINITELY! I totally regret not looking into this US education thing earlier on in the year. I suppose NUS Law is good but it's just not for me and I really don't wanna be stuck here for the rest of my life.
Haha, your friends feel the same way? Funny, I thought people there are generally chummy with each other and thus comfortable in the environment. Hmm.
lightfish: You lived in South Africa too?! That is cool. Your life sounds pretty interesting!
I should really go off and write my essays.