Freshman/Rising Sophomore IB Analyst Programs

Hello Monkeys,

I am a diversity candidate at a respectable non-target in NYC who is a little confused with how recruiting works for freshmen looking to do Sophomore summer investment banking at BB/MM firms. I understand that some firms offer superdays to freshmen who are accepted into diversity programs (Jefferies J-Noble). However, to my understanding, some firms simply have an application on their website that states 2027, like Societe Generale. Is it completely arbitrary how banks recruit for the freshman class? I know a majority of firms have opened apps since the beginning of January, but they all seem to be for current sophomores, which confuses me because I know they offer sophomore-summer IB positions.

Also, does it make sense to ask my network to help refer me to these diversity programs then? Since they aren't technically applications but rather weeks of programming followed by a super day. Does it matter if I apply on the first day for these diversity programs like regular recruiting applications too (I've applied to some on the first day they're released, but not sure if it's too late to ask for a referral since it has been several weeks since applying)? I have a very superficial network whom I've only known for some weeks to a few months, so I don't know if it's advised I ask for a referral this early into a relationship.

I appreciate all of the help.