<p>I just came across something I wrote for a fellow CCer who had PMed me. anialways has put together the most comprehensive guide ever, but just in case someone wanted a more concise timeline, here is the message:
The optimal time to start the process is in the beginning of class 11. You should initially familiarise yourself with the SAT and take a diagnostic test. This should give you an idea about how much you can aim to score in the real exam. Next, take a college search quiz on CollegeBoard or PrincetonReview. Also use ************** and USNews rankings to determine which college offers your intended major and meets other requirements. Find out what subject tests are required at each college. Remember, set goals but not unreasonable ones. It’s a good idea to discuss your future plans with your parents. Approximate how much your parents are willing to support you financially. Although net price calculators are usually not intended for international students, they should give you an idea of how much financial aid you can expect. You should try to take your first SAT in the winter before class 12, so prepare accordingly (Barron’s is more than enough if you also get hold of a suitable vocabulary list). Even if you don’t do as well as planned, you can take the test again in summer. Meanwhile, start preparing for the subject tests of your choice. Write to the college to clear specific doubts. Take the subject tests in October/November. Meanwhile, the Common Application for US colleges releases on 1st August. You should start filling up the forms and brainstorming essays. Ask your teachers (politely) for recommendations. Write the first drafts of your essays. They should be edited and proofread by atleast a couple of people. However, your voice should remain the strongest. By this time you should have shortlisted to about 20 colleges. Go through the specific facilities + opportunities of each (the websites are valuable sources of information) and choose around 10. This is the time you should write to each college if you think you might need a fee waiver, a Toefl waiver etc. Finalise your essays and send them in before the November 15th deadline (if you’re applying in the Early Rounds) or January 1st/15th (if you’re applying under Regular Decision). As soon as your applications have been submitted gather all your documents and fill in the financial aid application forms (if you intend to apply for FA). These are due anytime between January 15th and March 1st so make sure you don’t miss any deadlines! As soon as these are done you’ll have to get back to mundane but less tiring studying for your boards. The rest of the process involves waiting patiently till end-March for the college decisions to roll in. Occasionally check your email and keep yourself updated. Finally you can weigh and compare offers from colleges until you pay the enrollment deposit and then there’s just college to look forward to 
I hope I helped a bit! Good luck! :)</p>