@trying_to_make_it Sorry to disappoint friend, but I know three people who got into YC (separate companies) and were part of the Low/Very Low categories. I happen to know two separate founders who got to the interview stage who fit in the the LOL/ROFL.
This was across the 2017/2019 and 2022 camps.
I'm not saying it's easy but you're trying to make an assessment based on randomness and human decision.Shiiiit, I'm friends with another founder that got to the interview stage three times with ROFL/Very Low. Twice by himself, once with a tech cofounder. He never got in, but he got to the interview stage three times.
Go and build something people want man! Get to building brother! I understand if you feel hard-done by, need to let out a frustration for not getting into YC, but your customers don't care if you were part of YC or not. Same way they don't care if you have an MBA or not.
Just build something they care about. Get to it!