When I applied for YC, the application itself was very valuable because it asked focused and aspirational questions which forced me to think about what I was trying to create and why it was important to other people. I also went into the process telling myself that while it would be great to get in, it was not the end of the world if it didn't work out.
Remember that the success of your product/company ultimately comes down to you and the market you are in and not necessarily the money that is invested or the often nebulous social status that might come with getting into such programs. What matters is creating something which is of service to and valuable to other people.
Remember that the success of your product/company ultimately comes down to you and the market you are in and not necessarily the money that is invested or the often nebulous social status that might come with getting into such programs. What matters is creating something which is of service to and valuable to other people.