I went out in my first year, some cool and devilishly good looking people were kind enough to deal with my ineptitude while over there. 'Twas fun...
While the L3 is a handy benchmark for people to aim for, it's definitely not the be all and end all - don't get too caught up paperchasing. Talk to the instructors leading your Saturday trips, let them know that your plan is to hit the French Alps this coming summer and ask for their advice and coaching tips.. Get a training plan, commit to it and track it i.e. set specific goals and timeframes you need to hit.
After that, get out loads and you'll do ok, it's a fun place I'd love to go back to.
C