<p>And @apprenticeprof, I realize that this study had some flaws, but the overall sense of what the article is stating makes sense if you think about it. I personally know some classmates who get A’s on all of their tests and are in the top 5 of the class, but are just seriously dumb when it comes to street smarts and socializing. All these people will ever be will be the low level employees while the people who may have taken time off of school to pursue a business experience will already be building their connections and may soon be the next Bill Gates.</p>
<p>That’s the problem with today’s education system. Students get too bogged down with academics and “what looks good” for colleges that they don’t pursue something worthwhile. Obviously, not everyone has the opportunity, but those who do have it and also have the motivation to chase a business opportunity will be the successful ones (I define success as influencing the world in a positive direction, such as being at the vanguard of the technological revolution - in this way, success can be measured by how much a person has influenced the world, and Bill Gates and Zuckerberg, who both dropped out of Harvard, are people who meet this success standard but don’t meet the standards of those who focus on academics), they will be successful in the future.</p>
<p>Well… yeah, of course people can perform very well at school but totally lack life skills. That’s not in dispute. But I’d have to see a much, much better study than that to convince me that academic achievement at a certain level has a NEGATIVE correlation with success later in life. Assuming that B students are generally B students because they are brilliant iconoclasts refusing to be placed in the narrow boxes of academia is as much of a fallacy as assuming that all valedictorians are headed for fame and fortune. </p>
<p>From what I’ve read, Gates and Zuckerberg both were considered very smart in high school and both graduated at the top of their high school class. Both were considered rather socially awkward, as well…</p>
<p>Kids develop at very different rates. Some take a lot more time to gain confidence and show their true selves. The High School and College years can be difficult for those who are still figuring it all out, however I do not believe that those years define who you will be at 35… But I do agree that social and political skills are extremely important in being successful, no matter how you define that word. </p>
<p>If you are looking for a recipe for success a la Bill Gates or Mark Zuckerberg, I’d say that you have to start off with a mind that is brilliant well beyond the typical very smart, add a tremendous drive and work ethic, then throw in the ability to think ahead of everyone else. And luck…the right place at the right time sort of thing. </p>
<p>Good social skills and street smarts can be learned…don’t overrate them because without the other qualities (which are MUCH less common), you’ll be a very good car salesman.</p>