Applying for a job isn't an opportunity, the interview and job offer is.
Unless it is a very specific and rare role that just opened up?
Unless it is a very specific and rare role that just opened up?
They are going to make you do irrelevant algorithm problems no matter how much of an impression you made or connections you have.
In software engineering, literally just skip the extracurriculars unless you want to do them, they don't matter. There is no rat race of eligibility. Just solve the problems after you get the interview.
Good luck