Hey! I wanted to respond to your message because I have also felt similar things to you. I also managed to do well post-app last year and fear that I won't get anymore ACs or even past the app stage this year (I've never had a vac scheme after 2 years of apps btw)! But we have to remember that it is still so early on in the process. I relate to you with the rejection scenario, but I've always found that after a few rejections, a storm of opportunities will flood through! It's just so early on and we are all bound to experience rejection.
If you managed to get past the app stage last year, you can do it this year! As the process goes on, we only get better in our skillset and soon enough you'll be making your way through to ACs
It's just hard, but one day it'll be our turn to celebrate.
If you want to talk about things more, feel free to DM me