Note: I have no input NOR inside insight in the Helper Selection process AT ALL. NONE of what I am about to say is official.
From my experience being in this community for 7 years now, I think it's less about your chances and more about beginning to get involved as soon as possible, and getting yourself out there. If you already fulfill the minimum requirements I think it is a great idea to give it a go and file your first application right away, if it turns out to be rejected, that is a good thing because:
- You're officially under the radar, you were previously unknown, now not so much!
- The rejection message should accompany a series of recommendations for you to follow to perhaps see that rejection change into an acceptance in the future.
As long as you improve on whatever it is you got rejected for, and continue to behave well and stay active and committed, you'll get closer and closer to the role of Helper. Would you rather continue to guesstimate your chances of getting accepted, or get a written response of what you need to do better to reach your goal?