Nope, you cannot choose unless God opens the heart. It's works to choose. That puts a human element into your salvation and that didn't happen. God has Sovreign authority over all aspects of your salvation, otherwise you can say what you just did, saying I chose to get saved.
That's the way the Bible is written though. There are so many places that say things like, "to them He gave the right to become children of God" refering to those who believed and received. "Come to Me all you who are weary and heavy burdened", "But if I be lifted up (crucified) I will draw all men to Myself", things like this, that if you read them for their face value show God's universal invitation, "Urging you as in Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God", if you read these just like that, as written, God would have us all, but leaves it to us to choose.
Maybe to you that means God isn't in Control, but then, it all depends on what you think God is doing. I think He is gathering a family of those who want to love Him and be with Him. That requires Choice. Just like Adam in the garden, we all choose, and our choices have real consequences. God, in His divine decree, ordained life that way.
Our requirement to make a choice for or against God is well established throughout the Bible. If to you that is works, then you need a new definition of "works". Repentance is itself a change of the mind.
Much love!