Last I heard, the YC crew doesn't announce numbers because they don't want to get into phallus-measuring competitions with other organizations; but based on numbers published in the past I'm guessing somewhere between 500 and 1000 applications.

It's probably more. Based on public numbers/guesses (Harj: http://www.quora.com/What-percentage-of-companies-that-get-a..., http://www.quora.com/How-many-people-teams-get-rejected-by-Y..., http://www.quora.com/What-percentage-of-Y-Combinator-applica...) and some handwaving, last cycle was roughly 1000 applications, 10% got interviews, 4% (40 startups) got in. This cycle there's already ~145 slots taken, so I'd guesstimate 1500 applications (all else staying constant, etc) minimum. Maybe more like 2000.

Pretty sure I read that applications increased 85% on the last cycle, so (on your numbers) that would take it to 1850 which is close to your estimate.

Surprising to me that so little. Since there is no fee to enter, I imagine every high schooler who knows how to write a `hello, world' would apply.

Here's an idea, put a $100 fee on every application. If you're a serious applicant this would not be an issue.

I don't mind the downvote, but could someone who downvoted me explain his/her view?

i guess because money shouldn't really be a qualifier on a brilliant idea

not really a shocking number considering the current state of the industry.