I failed to get a position but I was also totally clueless (and useless) at the time (a long time ago, 2006-2007). Last year I spoke with a fairly talented undergrad who got a research assistant position at Columbia as a freshman. So, consider it case by case basis. If you have or develop the skills to be useful now you'll be better positioned when you matriculate. And it's all the more reason to try to line one up before you accept an offer.