- Early Decision allows applicants to apply early and receive a response 6 months to a year before the batch starts
- It is beneficial for undergrads, grad students, postdocs, and others who need to plan in advance
- To apply early decision, mention it in the future commitment section of the application.

We created an early deadline to give founders access to YC on their timelines. Based on surveying the early accepted startups last batch, the ones who got the most out of the early deadline were those who were actively fundraising. Founders also mentioned that applying early let them quit their jobs sooner and get a headstart on the YC experience (access to the community and advice). 

YC Admissions Manager Thomas Kilmer provides a walkthrough of the Early Decision process.

Apply to be a part of the next YC batch at ycombinator.com/apply.

Y Combinator is a startup accelerator that provides seed funding for startups. We've backed companies like Airbnb, Coinbase, DoorDash, Reddit, Inc. Razorpay and more.

Early Decision lets you apply 1 batch early and get a response from us 6 months to a year before the batch starts.

For example, you can submit an application in September for the batch starting the following June.

This is especially useful for undergrads, grad students, postdocs, and others who need to make plans further in advance.

To apply early decision, just mention it on your application in the future commitment section.


Speaker 0: Early Decision lets you apply 1 batch early and get a response from us 6 months to a year before the batch starts. For example, you can submit an application in September for the batch starting the following June. This is especially useful for undergrads, grad students, postdocs, and others who need to make plans further in advance. To apply early decision, just mention it on your application in the future commitment section.

See all Y Combinator transcripts on Youtube

Early Decisions