I hope my experience helps with understanding the timescales involved. Combined with everyone elses experiences, you should be able to make an informed decision.
- Stage 1 was in mid March. (informed of pass 1 week later)
- Stage 2 was in May. (informed of pass on same day)
- Stage 3 was end of June. (they phoned me day after giving me the good news)
- Medical will be mid July.
- This is likely to get me on the January intake.
I have always chosen the most appropriate date for me to attend each stage (fit around studies, part-time work e.t.c), not necessarily the first available date available.