>we say that "groups that apply early have a significant advantage." We're referring to Harj, who has already started to engage with groups that seem promising.
Sounds like he's reading the apps and contacting groups if he thinks anything is unclear. All 4 YC partners read them all, at least officially.
As volume of applications gets even more ridiculous, I could forsee a future where he screens them all and marks them either "skim" or "read", where skim means "I'm pretty sure they have no hope, just skim it it make sure I didn't miss anything" and read means "I'd definitely consider interviewing them." but they're probably reluctant to do that since it's important that they get the best groups possible, and I highly doubt they'd do that on harj's first cycle. They'll have to be really comfortable with his judgment before they let him prejudice their readings of applications.