System and methods are provided for dynamically setting a threshold signal-to-noise ratio for probe requests for one or more access points in a wireless network based on several factors, including density/distance between access points and/or current and expected load on access points. By dynamically adjusting a threshold signal-to-noise for probe requests, the systems and methods described herein may efficiently utilize resources based on current and/or expected conditions. In particular, an access point may ignore client device probe requests when another access point may be better positioned to handle such a request and/or when the access point would be unable to meet expected load requirements if such an associate were made.