But managing two households at once on $5,000.00 that YC offers is hard work. I would be eating ramen all the way for the entire summer.
Whats the percent chance that your actually profitable after 3 months worth of work.
She has to focus on getting optimal grades, you have to focus on your startup -- maybe hyperfocusing on separate challenges and then re-uniting will be best for the relationship in the end?
Is there any reasons the GF cant come to the bay with you?
EDIT: cheeky but does the GF have any hacker skills to become a cofounder?
Starting a startup is a huge commitment, potentially a lifelong one depending on your idea.
If you're even slightly unsure (which you seem to be), you should perhaps maybe think about it some more, or start it up from where you are.
I'm not trying to make you depressed or anything mate, but when things aren't going according to plan and everything goes wrong (as things can do with startups) you still have to be willing to give it 110%
So yeah, read some of the advice in this thread but really sit down, have a LONG HARD think about it. If you're prepared to make sacrifices (which there will inevitably be, it's your choice what they will be though) - then make a decision.
If you come to YC for the Summer will you:
a) finish up with a working product ready to take to the next level
b) at that point then be able to afford to move home or ship the GF out
c) still be with the GF in the Autumn should you not go to YC
d) are unable to get the project off the ground from where you are
Yes? Then try it :)
(err and also: have you asked what the GF thinks? that seems the first port of call... :))