How to go to University 🎓

University is a major financial undertaking and often has poor returns.

These are my set of guidelines I wish I could share with my younger self:

Study a CORE formal body of knowledge.

These are the hard sciences, engineering/mathematics, law, or economics.

Even if one of these isn't your exact interest, one of them can almost certainly be applied to your desired specialty.

If a science has “science” in the name, it’s probably not a real science, ie climate science, social science, etc. Anything else (art and humanities) can be learned for free, outside of school.

Choose a school based on cost and objective quality of education over prestige.

The era of respected ivy-league institutions is coming to pass. Most community colleges and state schools are sufficient. Commute if possible.

Avoid private loans as much as possible.

Apply for EVERY subsidy and scholarship that is available to you.

Stay in-state if there are discounts for residents.

Don’t just “go to class”.

During your time in school, explore a wide variety of disciplines and careers, both through learning and DOING.

Jobs hire based on experience, not education. Write articles, start an organization, build prototypes, research independently.

Don't only rely on school organized internships.

Reach out to companies/ organizations yourself. Ask questions, offer assistance in any capacity you can. Pave your own path; it's essential to a successful life, and school cannot provide this skill.

Don’t let your education end with school.

80% of graduates don't work in the area they studied. Success and fulfillment come from life long learning. School, especially undergrad, provides only a basic understanding of your chosen field; true expertise comes from a perpetual commitment to your discipline.