ADC/APD Summer internship applications

Hello everyone,

I am a PhD candidate at a target and am hoping to apply to the MBB summer intern positions (in addition to the shorter experiences (Bridge/Insight/Advantage which come later in the spring). I am in touch with a recruiter whom I asked about deadlines for the application - but other than that have no interaction with the firms. Should I just apply, or do I need to network? I am pretty specific about targeting two cities in Canada, although I am at a program in the US. 

Would love to hear other experiences from ADC/APD , including applying for internships, resources for casing, or targeting a specific office. 

Thanks!