Exactly!
You never know, if you really put a lot of effort in your application you might get accepted anyway!
If your application really stands out from the others I'd say your chance will be pretty big
Maybe you can ask a member support member if you can join them with some helping sessions? Just to have a look at how they deal with stuff for example :)
Well if you really show your dedication to the server in those 1/2 years and show interest in helping people out I'd say your chances will get pretty big!