How to actually join a group?

I'm quite new to Roll20 and i had a look at groupfinder. I found some with time compatibility but then i look at the application page and theres like 40+ applications or something. My question to you is, do i even have a chance?  Some of the applications seem like super fleshed out.  It's somewhat overwhelming for a relatively new player like myself. What is your advice? Do i try to apply for multiple groups to increase my chances of getting in somewhere?

I started on roll20 in December. I have had more luck finding games through the forums instead of the "join a game". You could apply to a couple through the forums

Applying to a game can be kind of an art.  Just keep at it and you'll snag one eventually.  Some tips: 1.  Pay attention to the game ad or listing and make sure you answer any questions the GM raises in there.  If there's an application, be sure to answer all the questions.  You don't need to write an essay but make sure the GM can get a feel for you as a player based on your responses.  Good GMs don't take players first come, first serve.  They're usually more interested in your characteristics as a player rather than your proposed character.  2.  It's okay to apply to multiple games at once.  3.  Don't get discouraged if you never hear from a GM about your application.  Some people will let you know you didn't make it but most will just contact the people they are interested in selecting. 4.  Pay attention to other players' application and see what you can learn from them.  If the GM has already picked some players for the game, see if you can find their applications in the listing and look for the things that seem to set them apart from the rest of the crowd.  Learn from them what makes an application successful as you browse the game listings. 5.  Look for GMs who seem to be picky about who they choose.  This tends to make for a better game experience if you get in. 6.  If you're anxious to get started ASAP, pay to play is an option.  You can find those games in the game listings and here in the forum.  There's usually little to no application process as long as you have the cash.  In my experience, game quality is usually good but no better really than most responsible free GMs here.  It's main advantage is being easy to get into one. 7.  Don't give up.  Don't get discouraged if your first games fall apart or aren't good.  It can take a little while but eventually you will find the right games for you. 

Jesse said: Applying to a game can be kind of an art.  Just keep at it and you'll snag one eventually.  Some tips: 1.  Pay attention to the game ad or listing and make sure you answer any questions the GM raises in there.  If there's an application, be sure to answer all the questions.  You don't need to write an essay but make sure the GM can get a feel for you as a player based on your responses.  Good GMs don't take players first come, first serve.  They're usually more interested in your characteristics as a player rather than your proposed character.  2.  It's okay to apply to multiple games at once.  3.  Don't get discouraged if you never hear from a GM about your application.  Some people will let you know you didn't make it but most will just contact the people they are interested in selecting. 4.  Pay attention to other players' application and see what you can learn from them.  If the GM has already picked some players for the game, see if you can find their applications in the listing and look for the things that seem to set them apart from the rest of the crowd.  Learn from them what makes an application successful as you browse the game listings. 5.  Look for GMs who seem to be picky about who they choose.  This tends to make for a better game experience if you get in. 6.  If you're anxious to get started ASAP, pay to play is an option.  You can find those games in the game listings and here in the forum.  There's usually little to no application process as long as you have the cash.  In my experience, game quality is usually good but no better really than most responsible free GMs here.  It's main advantage is being easy to get into one. 7.  Don't give up.  Don't get discouraged if your first games fall apart or aren't good.  It can take a little while but eventually you will find the right games for you.  Thats some good advice, thanks. i have the added disadvantage of being a shift+weekend worker and that makes it alot harder to find a group that can accomodate for that, haha. fixed weekday+time does not really work for me unfortunately

Another option to think about is community type of groups. This tend to be a large group of people that share a specific preference, could be game system, timezone, or even play style, and you would have a smaller member base to compete against. There are a variety of them that have popped up on Roll20. Take mine for example: Knights of the Written Word 2 is a community for people that play tabletop games through the use of text instead of voice. There are over 700 members and many people find their games through the LFG listings made in it's forums. We have lively discussions (in text) about game systems, game play, character creation, or just chilling out and chatting about nothing. Many of the members are scattered over the world, working various shifts or hours but with text it does not matter as a person can read the text then respond. It is just one of the various communities on Roll20 so the next time you are looking through the game listings, think about them also.