Rejected from Networking Events?

I am looking for some advice / insights into networking events for finance / consulting companies. There have been more than a few in-office networking events I have applied to, where you have to send in your resume and sometimes answers to questions about why attending the event would be valuable to you.

Yet, I have been rejected from these types of events multiple times. I don't quite understand why they would reject qualified students from networking events if you apply prior to the deadline.

Do you guys think that means that the firm doesn't see you as a "good enough" candidate? Is it worth a shot to still apply for the firm even if you didn't attend their networking events? Lastly, would you guys say that individual coffee chats are better than attending in-office networking events?

Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!