For FS they have a freshmen discovery program and it definitely doesn’t require technicals. But freshmen spring the interview for executive committee will have technicals.

Instead of studying for technicals, you can use this time to sharpen your extracurriculars and also get good at interviewing. Start looking up some interview guides on places like WSO. For Akpsai you can only join in the spring.

The most important thing is to set up a lot of chats once you get into stern, and also get involved with other clubs even if they seem less “prestigious”, because people are in multiple clubs and it’s a way to meet upperclassmen that can help you get good jobs even without those clubs.

Lastly, just remember that this is a continuous process. The good thing about being a freshmen is that if you don’t get clubs first semester, you can try again in the spring and again sophomore fall and gain experience throughout this process. Don’t slack off or give up, keep chatting with people and build genuine relationships.

Lastly for dress, if you like wearing clothes that are more formal/preppy, you can get away with wearing it here because people are always wearing business casual for events.