Ask PG: How do you stay focused while reviewing YC Applications?

[6thSigma]

I recall reading that YC partners read around 100 applications a day over a 10 day period. That seems incredibly draining.

How do you stay as focused for the 100th application vs. the first? How many hours a day are you working? Do you take multiple breaks? Do you have a set schedule?

If other YC application reviewers are reading this, I'd love to hear your response as well.

[aashaykumar92]

I went back to read this portion[1] and it actually says, "If we get 1000 applications and have 10 days to read them, we have to read about 100 a day." So take it in context: PG is really trying to encourage applicants to put effort into their applications so that they stand out. And that doesn't mean to write a ton in your application but instead write concisely enough to answer the question well.

I'd also go out on a limb and say that this is a subtle message to applicants to apply as early as possible. PG is admitting that it is indeed difficult for the partners to keep their focus on so many applications throughout this period. Applying earlier gives the partners more time to review our applications and hence, our applications get reviewed thoroughly and they have more time to engage with the applicants (if interested, of course). Essentially, a win-win. Now that I briefly inferred/annotated this part, I definitely wish I had read this section more carefully. I resubmitted my application several times all the way until the day it was due.

Anyway, as a follow up to the posted question, how do you manage to continue advising YC alumni while reviewing so many applications? Especially the recent class (YC W13) that is probably meeting with tons of investors right now and needs the partners' guidance.

[1] How to Apply to Y Combinator: http://ycombinator.com/howtoapply.html

[PAULHANNA84]

They surely don't read the entire application unless it's appealing. Some applications scream "fail" within the first minute. I read an article from one of the partners stating what they look for and they did mention that if an application doesn't look appealing, they won't finish reading it. I mean...why would they? You should be clean and concise while not over saturating them with detail.

[AbhishekBiswal]

No, wait. He's busy going through the applications, don't try to disturb him.

[narayankpl]

Ivy League application reviewers should be able to answer this well...

[akproxy]

He keeps is left leg on a 27cm high stool and right on 31cm high stool. He drinks water from a copper glass pained in green colour and he drinks 1 litre each 2 hours. Exactly.

Damn it. That next question would be how does Travolta stay focussed white shitting on a Monday through Sunday.