Most realistic timeline for new grad RN jobs?

Hi everyone, I’m currently in my 3rd semester of a 4-semester nursing program, and I’m trying to understand the most realistic process for getting a new grad RN job after graduation.

I’m going to school in Indiana, but my long-term goal is to work in California. I’ve heard that some people apply for new grad RN jobs before graduation or before taking the NCLEX, and that some offers are contingent on graduating and passing boards. I’m trying to figure out what the most common or practical timeline actually looks like.

A few things I’m wondering:

When do most nursing students start applying for new grad RN jobs — before graduation, after graduation, after getting ATT, or after passing NCLEX?

Is it common to get a new grad RN offer before taking the NCLEX, or do most hospitals want you licensed first?

For anyone who wanted to work in California, did you apply directly through CA for NCLEX/licensure, or did you test/license in another state first and endorse into CA later?

I’m concerned about waiting a long time for my ATT or California processing. Would it potentially be faster or more realistic to get licensed in another state first, like Indiana, Washington, or Texas, work there for 6+ months, and then transfer/endorse to California later?

For people who went to school in one state but wanted to work in another, what route did you take, and would you do it the same way again?

I’m not asking about specific schools or hospitals im just trying to understand the general process, timeline, and what tends to work best for new grads. Any advice or personal experiences would be really appreciated. Thank you!!!!!!