A common mistake in preparing for the Y Combinator interview is treating it as an adversarial process; the interviewers are there to understand you, not to challenge you.

Being authentic during the Y Combinator interview is crucial; avoid acting like you're in a pitch competition and instead engage in a natural conversation with the interviewers.

Reach out to Y Combinator alumni for insights and ask them for a quick mock interview to prepare for your own interview.

Applying to Y Combinator is worth it because it helps you organize and clarify your startup ideas through the application questions, which can lead to valuable insights.

Don't stress out about the Y Combinator interview; it's just a conversation, and practicing can help you a lot.

Successful interviewees at Y Combinator demonstrate mastery of their business, showing they understand their numbers, risks, and have a clear plan for the future.

The Y Combinator interview lasts only ten minutes, so you need to communicate three key points effectively: the problem, the solution, and the potential size of the opportunity.

Before joining Y Combinator, we initially focused on helping students prepare for interviews through mock interviews, which highlighted the disconnect between resumes and actual skills.

We continue to filter for character in our interview process, even with multiple tracks now in place. When you meet a Y Combinator founder, you can trust them; they embody the culture of YC, which reflects the founders' values.