Here are a few:
- Because the cool kids are doing it.
- Because the brand will look good on a business school application.
- Because $120K can pay for a fancy apartment and a lot of parties.
- Because Mom and Dad will leave you alone for 3 months.
- Because the cool kids are doing it.
- Because the brand will look good on a business school application.
- Because $120K can pay for a fancy apartment and a lot of parties.
- Because Mom and Dad will leave you alone for 3 months.
That "fancy apartment" is the cheapest place you can find in Mountain View with 4 people stuffed in, half sleeping on the floor.
How many YC founders go on to business school? I've heard of none, but I'm sure there are a few... But do you have anything backing up that people go to YC for that reason?
I think I went to one party during the course of YC. In fact, all I really did was build product and talk to users. It's one of the mantras of YC and anyone not following that advice certainly isn't seen as a "cool kid".
Probably not worth trying to change your opinion, but you're 100% wrong on every point (except the first if you define "cool kids" as people working hard trying to build things).
He was providing bad reasons that someone could use to justify applying to YC
I have tons of respect for the people who make it through the process, and drop everything to try and start something great.