That was the point made by myself and others here, viz., trading ability and college haven't much to do with each other..
Hey, let's not criticize higher education too much now - it supplies real traders with plenty of fodder- Dentists, Doctors, LTCM fund managers.... efficient Markets theorists....
Hamburger University is no joke. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hamburger_University I bet a McDegree from Hamburger University is worth many times more than Lethn's community college certificate of games design.
It's not like you can just apply to Hambuger University. One has to complete quite a few corporate trainings (which earn college credits) in addition to being an on the job manager for quite a few years. It would seem after the commitment one would logically end up owning a store. Don't quote me but I am quite sure that MCD has created more millionaires than any other co.
On average, college grads earn more (and also live about 5 years longer). There is no point to cherry pick examples that show otherwise, the numbers don't lie. No one in their right mind would argue that you can't be successful if you don't have a college education (or that you can't live to be 100 ), but on average you will earn less than someone that went to college. And more than to offset whatever debt you'll get yourself into. Really, what is so hard to understand about that? Also, isn't it logical? All things being equal (one's intelligence, background etc), wouldn't a person improve his skills, the ability to think etc by 4 additional years of studying? I've never heard of anyone coming out of college knowing less than they did going in. End of story. While not true of all people, most that talk down higher education are the ones that don't have it. For those, think about this: if you're just as competent as someone with an MBA or college degree (entirely possible), would you not be further ahead than that person if you had the extra education?
What is interesting is a lot of Jobs that did not require college, now require one. Soon even a Janitorial job will require a 4 year degree.
On college... If you are only gifted in academics, get your PhD. If not, go to trade school. Either way, you will make a living. If you are gifted in academics and trading, get your PhD and then trade. Why? The markets may not last your life through, but your degree will. If you are only gifted in trading, that's not secure. Strive to finish your PhD or trade school, before you embark on spreadsheet fantasies of compounding returns. Relying solely on trading for your living wreaks of emotional decision-making, and should be avoided at all costs. If you cannot decipher anything your are gifted in, seek counsel at any cost to make your gift known to you. If your gifts are unknown by the time you are 12, shame on your parents for being lazy in their duty to train you up as a realistic man instead of an idealistic teenager. The burden is then on you as an adult to make this happen, as your parents have failed in this aspect. Caveat: The first paragraph is written with the assumption that a man can still work hard and make a living (a living wage to support a family) in the West, without special friends in high places, and without working 80 hours per week. Such an assumption is not logical to project onto the future, as the ability of the West to provide such opportunity for its citizens (the pursuit of happiness) has been removed as an option for the average man holding a four-year college degree.
You forgot number six : 6. Move in to my girlfriend's modest house and pretend to trade while she continues to earn a living from productive work.