Not true. At least not for this YC alum. I didn't know anybody. I learned about YC after stumbling across pg's essays. Decided to apply. Got an interview. I did

Not true. At least not for this YC alum. I didn't know anybody. I learned about YC after stumbling across pg's essays. Decided to apply. Got an interview. I didnt even know there was an official notification day for application acceptance. Got accepted. No connections to anyone. Summer 2013. Have a great idea, a great team, show some traction. Traction probably doesn't have to be revenue. Just find something that shows other people want what you're building. Great team means you're the best team for your idea. Not necessarily Ivy League school or Google/Facebook/Amazon employment.