Wanting something openly is a risk. If you fail, everyone knows you wanted it. Want it openly anyway.

Hiding your ambition is a way of arranging your excuses in advance. If nobody knew you tried out, nobody knows you did not make it, and you get to look like someone who was never bothered. The protection is real, and so is the cost: no help, no encouragement, nobody thinking of you when something opens up. People invest in the ones who said out loud what they wanted.

Tell three people what you are going for this term. Pick ones who will ask you about it rather than ones who will tease. If it does not come off, say that plainly too, and let them see you go again.