What are the most common mistakes to avoid when preparing YC application materials?

Hey man, applying to YC is a bit like a blind date – first impressions are super important. Many screw it up, not because their idea is bad, but because they make some very basic mistakes. Let me break down the most common pitfalls for you; make sure you avoid them:

1. Can't clearly explain what you do. This is the number one killer. If you can't explain what your company does and what problem it solves in one, maybe two sentences, so even your grandma understands, then you're pretty much out of luck. Don't use vague terms like "empowerment," "ecosystem," or "closed-loop." Just use plain language: "We're an app that helps international students find housing," or "Software for small restaurant owners to manage inventory." Simple, direct, powerful.

2. Haven't shown why it has to be you. YC invests in people, in teams. A good idea isn't enough; they want to know why "your" team is the best one to execute this. Are you personally deeply affected by this problem, so you truly understand the pain point? Or does your team have unique technical expertise or industry specialists that others don't? Showcase your "superpowers."

3. Exaggerating too much. Don't inflate your user numbers, revenue, or any data. The people reviewing applications are sharp cookies; they've seen countless projects and can spot exaggerations instantly. Honestly present your current situation. Even if you only have one user, but you can clearly explain why that user loves you, it's far more convincing than fabricating ten thousand users. Authenticity and a clear understanding of your business are far more important than false prosperity.

4. Only talking about trillion-dollar markets, not early users. Many people like to say, "My market is worth trillions!" That's not very meaningful. YC is more interested in whether you've found a small group of "die-hard fans." Even if you only have 10 users, if those 10 users can't live without your product, that's incredibly persuasive. First, serve this small group well, prove your value, then think about that trillion-dollar market.

5. Submitting a bad founder video. That one-minute video is crucial. Don't spend money to make it look like a commercial, and don't read from a script. YC wants to see live, passionate founders. Just shoot it with your phone, with a clean background and good lighting. Appear with your co-founder(s) and naturally talk about who you are, what you're doing, and why. Let them feel your energy and chemistry.

6. Not showing any "action." Ideas are worthless; execution is everything. You need to prove you're not just a "dreamer." Have you built a bare-bones product (MVP)? Have you talked to 100 potential customers? Do you have a WeChat group where you're manually helping users solve problems? These "actions" demonstrate your execution ability, which is far more important than a perfect business plan.

In short: Use the simplest words to explain who you're helping and what problem you're solving for them, and prove that you and your team have already started working on it. Good luck!