Yeah - except they didn't find a shortcut. They just worked really hard and prepared. That's a good thing - but it's not "a hack." That word is just being overused now to the point of hilarity.

I think it also makes the link that much more attractive to readers:

"How we Did A Very Good Job on the Y Combinator Application Process and Got in"

versus

"How we Hacked the Y Combinator Application Process and Got in"

There's a word for when you choose a snappier title that doesn't reflect reality to get more clicks.

It's called linkbait.

"How we got into YC: by storming the building with assault rifles and smoke grenades!"

Now that article I would read.

For once "Pics or it didn't happen," might actually be on-topic!