Best time to apply for united club card?

I want to pull the trigger and apply for the united club credit card, and I am wondering when is the best time to apply for it.

I am doing a status match challenge right now, and I can get the gold requirements easily in 3 months. Should I apply now and get the 90k +4k PQP this year or wait till mid October and apply then and get the PQP next year?

How long it takes to show the AF in the card statement?

Also, if I apply now, can I use the hotel and JSX benefits and it would reset next year?

Any help and guidance will be appreciated