8 ms·

Does this also mean that applications that do not get accepted under the initial deadline can re-apply with a new idea? If so, will the submission process be ab

Does this also mean that applications that do not get accepted under the initial deadline can re-apply with a new idea? If so, will the submission process be able to recognize this as "new" so it is given a fresh review by YC rather than viewing it as an "update" to an existing application?

pg 17y ago
Hrm, I should have known you lot would think of unanticipated ways to use this option. That wasn't the original intention, and if everyone did that we'd be so swamped with repeat applications that we probably wouldn't be able to read them all. How about if I add a feature for people to update an application that was submitted by the deadline, and we'll make a pass through those too?
- skennedy 17y ago
  Sounds like another time consuming commitment on top of your ever growing list of commitments. How far do you scale?
  - pg 17y ago
    Actually all I have to do is change the software. Harj is going to monitor the late applications. http://ycombinator.posterous.com/welcome-harj http://ycombinator.posterous.com/welcome-harj
    - jackowayed 17y ago
      To better get the "seriously, apply on time if at all possible" idea across, I'd emphasize that harj is monitoring late apps. "If you apply on time, all 4 YC partners will definitely read your application. If you apply late, our employee will skim through it to see if it looks promising, and only if he thinks it does will any of us even see it."
      - ErrantX 17y ago
        For some that might actually be an advantage. Think: you know who will initially vet your application (as opposed to the normal process) so you can think how to hook him in. And if you successfully do so your now "recommended" to one of the partners. Could be an advantage for a smart thinking founder :)
        rottencupcakes 17y ago
        pg could correct me on this if i'm wrong, but i get the impression that harj is already vetting all the applications.
        jackowayed 17y ago
        From the blog post pg linked to above: >we say that "groups that apply early have a significant advantage." We're referring to Harj, who has already started to engage with groups that seem promising. Sounds like he's reading the apps and contacting groups if he thinks anything is unclear. All 4 YC partners read them all, at least officially. As volume of applications gets even more ridiculous, I could forsee a future where he screens them all and marks them either "skim" or "read", where skim means "I'm pretty sure they have no hope, just skim it it make sure I didn't miss anything" and read means "I'd definitely consider interviewing them." but they're probably reluctant to do that since it's important that they get the best groups possible, and I highly doubt they'd do that on harj's first cycle. They'll have to be really comfortable with his judgment before they let him prejudice their readings of applications.
        nlabs 17y ago
        To cut down the volume of applications, YC should charge an application fee, like most colleges. That will quickly filter out the crap. An app fee is not evil. Id pay $25 or so to guarantee honest, thoughtful consideration by the YC 4.
        Harj 17y ago
        no, everyone on the team reviews the apps. i'm just contacting groups that seem interesting but i want to have some more information about. if you applied early you had a higher chance of being contacted, which is an advantage since you have an extra opportunity to impress.

pg 17y ago

Hrm, I should have known you lot would think of unanticipated ways to use this option. That wasn't the original intention, and if everyone did that we'd be so swamped with repeat applications that we probably wouldn't be able to read them all. How about if I add a feature for people to update an application that was submitted by the deadline, and we'll make a pass through those too?

skennedy 17y ago
Sounds like another time consuming commitment on top of your ever growing list of commitments. How far do you scale?
- pg 17y ago
  Actually all I have to do is change the software. Harj is going to monitor the late applications. http://ycombinator.posterous.com/welcome-harj http://ycombinator.posterous.com/welcome-harj
  - jackowayed 17y ago
    To better get the "seriously, apply on time if at all possible" idea across, I'd emphasize that harj is monitoring late apps. "If you apply on time, all 4 YC partners will definitely read your application. If you apply late, our employee will skim through it to see if it looks promising, and only if he thinks it does will any of us even see it."
    - ErrantX 17y ago
      For some that might actually be an advantage. Think: you know who will initially vet your application (as opposed to the normal process) so you can think how to hook him in. And if you successfully do so your now "recommended" to one of the partners. Could be an advantage for a smart thinking founder :)
      - rottencupcakes 17y ago
        pg could correct me on this if i'm wrong, but i get the impression that harj is already vetting all the applications.
        jackowayed 17y ago
        From the blog post pg linked to above: >we say that "groups that apply early have a significant advantage." We're referring to Harj, who has already started to engage with groups that seem promising. Sounds like he's reading the apps and contacting groups if he thinks anything is unclear. All 4 YC partners read them all, at least officially. As volume of applications gets even more ridiculous, I could forsee a future where he screens them all and marks them either "skim" or "read", where skim means "I'm pretty sure they have no hope, just skim it it make sure I didn't miss anything" and read means "I'd definitely consider interviewing them." but they're probably reluctant to do that since it's important that they get the best groups possible, and I highly doubt they'd do that on harj's first cycle. They'll have to be really comfortable with his judgment before they let him prejudice their readings of applications.
        nlabs 17y ago
        To cut down the volume of applications, YC should charge an application fee, like most colleges. That will quickly filter out the crap. An app fee is not evil. Id pay $25 or so to guarantee honest, thoughtful consideration by the YC 4.
        Harj 17y ago
        no, everyone on the team reviews the apps. i'm just contacting groups that seem interesting but i want to have some more information about. if you applied early you had a higher chance of being contacted, which is an advantage since you have an extra opportunity to impress.