Use MultiMC or Prism Launcher to connect - ensure you’re using Beta 1.7.3, not the release version. (Toggle the “betas” filter and select “b1.7.3” when creating your instance)
Once you are whitelisted, the server is accessible at oldschoolmc.live:25566
Whitelist application is here (After submitting, you should be whitelisted within 12-24 hours, if not sooner)
Rules are on the website
As Rick suggested, try using Prism Launcher or MultiMC
Also, just to confirm, you are using exactly version beta 1.7.3 - right?
yes, I am using beta 1.7.3