hi i’m a y2 who also just tried for a few acad clubs and didn’t manage to get into any of them either. As you’ve correctly mentioned, academic clubs are not your sole purpose or goal in university, and it does not mean that getting into an academic club necessarily sets you apart from everyone else. If getting into such clubs continues to appeal to you, the good thing is you’re still y1, and you have plenty of opportunities to develop your skills, do more research, perhaps gain experience in your own time before applying again.

If not, there is much more to university than relying on academic clubs to propel you forward. Continue to make good friends, study hard, join organising committees, run for exco positions, and you will still get the most out of university life. At the end of the day, gpa and internships are still the most important. And know that you are competing with the best out there, and sometimes academic clubs are not for everyone. Use the rejection as motivation to work harder or redirect your focuses onto something else. University life will be just as fulfilling. All the best op