Early Decision for Students at Y Combinator Apply to Y Combinator (YC) now while still in school and join a YC batch after graduation. This program is designed for students who want to finish their degree before starting their startup journey, with immediate funding upon acceptance. --- About Early Decision Purpose: Allows students to secure a future YC batch spot while finishing school. Process: Apply with the regular YC application but select a batch after the current one to indicate Early Decision. Funding: If accepted, you receive immediate funding and can join a later batch post-graduation. Flexibility: Even if you're not in your final year, you can apply and join an appropriate batch after your current school year. --- How Early Decision Works Apply in the fall during your final year (or earlier), choosing a future batch (e.g., the summer batch after graduation). You go through the same application and interview process as regular applicants. Once accepted, YC funds you immediately and reserves your place for the selected batch after you graduate. --- Is Early Decision Right for You? Ideal if you want to complete your degree before starting your company. Encouraged even if unsure about starting a company; no application downside exists. Allows you to apply early and plan for your startup future. --- Application Instructions In the YC application, answer the batch question by selecting “A batch after Winter 2026” or your preferred future batch. Indicate the batch in which you want to participate. Apply here. --- Why Y Combinator Created Early Decision Students often spend their final year applying for jobs or internships. Many want to finish their education fully before dedicating themselves to a startup. Early Decision lets students bet on themselves by securing YC funding and a future batch spot early. --- Success Story Example Sneha and Anushka, founders of Spur (S24 batch), applied via Early Decision in Fall 2023. They graduated in May 2024 and subsequently raised $4.5M for their AI-powered QA testing tools. --- Additional Resources Watch a video on why starting a startup at this time is beneficial on YouTube. Explore YC programs, job opportunities, co-founder matching, and YC resources via Y Combinator’s website. --- Summary Benefits Secure early acceptance and funding. Graduate before starting YC. Flexible timing for application and batch joining. Actions Apply now to Early Decision through YC’s application. Select your preferred future batch. Apply for Early Decision --- © 2025 Y Combinator