I can totally understand why. It was yet another mistake - we rushed to get the email out and didn't realize it was sent from a no-reply address. You can reach us at startupschool@ycombinator.com and you are absolutely welcome to do so.

And the “accepted to audit” stings super hard. We were accepted and then rejected. I’m a stoic person but this really hurts. We were on a pathway to earning success with help and now we’re off again on our own in the wilderness.

You're right. That phrase is lame and in this context is salt in the wound.

People at YC are trying to come up with ways to make this at least partly better. If you have an idea, or anyone else has, this thread would be a good place to post it. Or email the team at startupschool@ycombinator.com.

Don’t think there’s much that would help short of actual help like startup school provides.

Giving us a chance to shine is what gave us so much hope. For those 90 minutes anyway.

I get that it wasn’t malicious but knowing this doesn’t really change anything for us. Thanks.

Right. The accepted to audit should have just said "you didn't get in" accepted to audit made it briefly seem like we were still accepted to something.

I sent a pretty snarky email. Glad it didn't go through.

You can email us at startupschool@ycombinator.com.

Hi I have sent an email and would really appreciate your feedback on my application.I thought startup school was for people just starting out and need the most help but it doesn't seem like that.Thanks

Hi! Please see https://blog.ycombinator.com/startup-school-every-company-th... - I think you will be happy with the result!