How do I get into HF insight programs for undergrads?

Hi All,

I'm a sophomore at a target school and will be a (virtual) SA in the Investment Banking Division at a top BB this summer.

I was quite surprised when recruiters at a few Hedge Funds that I am very interested in reached out to me. I don't know much and have so much to learn in general that the attention seems laughable, but hey, I'll take it. A very select group of students from my school (myself included) has been invited to meetings and coffee, taken to dinner, and encouraged to apply to undergrad insight programs by multiple firms. Of course, I applied to multiple programs at different firms, but was unfortunately rejected from all.

Conversely, I've gotten every IB insight or diversity day I've ever applied for, but these HF programs seem much more competitive- they select far less participants, pay stipends, etc.

I have the opportunity to apply for some of these programs again and want to try my hardest to get in. What should I be doing to give myself the best chances of being accepted?

Normally when I apply to IB diversity/insight days, I don't network. It is too short of a program to annoy people with requests for help or calls. However, is there a different sentiment here? Should I be talking to HR? Juniors at the firm? I think I've at least made it to some stage of consideration with each application (I get looked up on LinkedIn and can see it), but never end up getting it.

Advice appreciated. Thanks.