APPLY. I was told the exact same thing, but this is how I think about it — there is a 100% chance that I won’t be accepted if I don’t even apply. I applied to both the on campus and online program, and I’ve been waitlisted for the on-campus. If I don’t get in, I can focus on building my application up and reapply next year. I have nothing to lose by trying, and neither do you.
And let’s be honest here, the school may have specific requirements and expectations about who they accept, but there are numerous factors to consider when accepting people into the program; academic background and grades, experience in the field, personal essay, reference letters, etc. The applicant pool is different every single year. Don’t let them discourage you from even trying. Believe in yourself enough to make them believe in you too!
I hope you apply, and I wish you nothing but the best of luck