As stated in another thread on here, I'm very new to bjj. In the future I would love to compete. How long should I train before I actually compete? Should I just keep rolling and ask my professor if they think I am ready after a few months? 
Whenever you feel comfortable.
RIGHT MEOW CAT DAMMIT!!
Many local tournaments (NAGA in particular) have novice divisions meant for new guys with very little experience (I think they are for 6 months or less experience). I did my first competition after about six weeks. Get out there and give it a whirl. If nothing else it will help you get used to the flow of a tournament so you will be less nervous the next time you compete 
SC MMA MD - Many local tournaments (NAGA in particular) have novice divisions meant for new guys with very little experience (I think they are for 6 months or less experience). I did my first competition after about six weeks. Get out there and give it a whirl. If nothing else it will help you get used to the flow of a tournament so you will be less nervous the next time you compete
This.
I'd only add: make sure you know you can go balls out for the allotted time given per match, for at least a few matches.
If you know you want to, go do it now, the expectations will be low and you can learn and enjoy it.
The trick is going to the 2nd tournament, really.
Dude whenever you want. The worst that can happen is you lose. So what.
Save your money and train. Wait until you get to at least a blue belt and have some semblance of a game.
Any time you want i set through all kinds of novice and new rollers at tourneys if you want to compete do it its not always up to when someone else tells you you are ready . If you seek the fun and the experience of a comp you have nothing to lose but the entrance fees Winning is fun but its not a must
I never competed until I was a 4 stripe blue.
Wish I competed as a white belt as it takes a few tournies to gt used to the nerves.