Why would it be worth it to pick a new grad with a later start date vs a sooner date? I finish next year in August and was wondering if I should take a new grad that starts in September vs November?

Depending on what state you're in, it can take some time to get your ATT code to register for NCLEX. You want to take enough time to study for that, so if you finish class in August, I would go with November. But apply for new grad residencies a good 6 months early... i just graduated in september and am having a hard time finding spots.