How long should I level before entering the academy?

I'm a Lv. 3 Mesmer/Monk and I get the ultimatum from Tydus. I'm definately going to wait on joining up until I get a few more levels under my belt, but I'm wondering how many should I get?

Go anywhere from 5-8. I did as many quests as I could before I got bored and left at level 7 Wa/Mo. But then again I`ve played all but 1 of the Beta events so I`ve been in town before.

id suggest doing all the quests, getting a full set of upgraded armor, and making sure you have been everywhere available to you. can get some great almost-free weapons and skills, as well as some cash to help you out later. I'm not sure if winning the battle in the accademy changes anything, but its definitely more satisfying =)
as far as level, anything 5+ should do pretty good. the mercs that help you are level 3, and most of the enemies are 3-6 i think

I spent one hour in presear ascalon... there's not THAT much point to being there... but I also didn't really wanna stick around I spent about 20 hours there in the betas