[driverdan]

Is there any data available on how much forethought and planning went into the decision to apply and the app/vid themselves?

From what I've learned talking to YC startups and reading about others it seems pretty mixed, that some spent many hours planning and some made the decision at the last minute.

[trey_swann]

I'd argue that the unpolished application videos are the best. I really like the video that the guys from DirectedEdge submitted (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nTFBO5lvGc). This video demonstrates that there is chemistry between the two founders, identifies the problem/opportunity, and clearly explains their solution. I wasn't in the room, but this video appears to be spontaneous.

I can't speak to the timing of it all. But, given the data points available I'd say rough videos and applications free of marketing speak are the best.