[monsterix]

True. Not all the points I am suggesting above would be correct. However, how would you (let's say you're running YC) separate a genuine technology startup with great communication skills from a fake one with great communication skills?

[nowarninglabel]

I think experience has shown that YC is pretty good at that by focusing on the problem the startup is trying to solve as well as understanding the founders well enough to know if they can solve it and exactly how they are going to solve it. Whereas some of the more spectacular startup failures of late have been from companies (like Color) that promise a revolutionary new thing but don't really have a basic problem statement written out.

[argonaut]

Well, unless you lie on your application, your track record (whether it's your academic record, your work experience, things you've built, etc) should speak for itself.