Young Entrepreneur's College Rejections Spark Debate

Zach Yadegari, an 18-year-old tech prodigy, has a story that's both inspiring and puzzling. He's the founder of a startup that made $30 million in its first year, and he has a perfect 4. 0 GPA. Yet, he was rejected by 15 out of the 18 colleges he applied to. This includes some of the most prestigious universities in the country. It's a stark reminder that academic achievements and entrepreneurial success don't always guarantee college admission. Yadegari's journey started early. He learned to code at the age of 7, was teaching others by 10, and had an app in the App Store by 12. His latest venture, Cal AI, is an app that calculates calories in a meal from a photo. It's a testament to his skills and innovation. But despite his impressive resume, top colleges like Stanford, MIT, and Harvard said no. The rejections didn't come as a complete surprise to Yadegari. He shared his experience on X, where it gained over 27 million views. Many were shocked by the apparent lack of appreciation for entrepreneurial spirit in elite higher education. Yadegari himself believes that his business ventures weren't given the weight they deserved in the admissions process. Yadegari's personal essay, which he also shared, offers a glimpse into his thoughts on college. He initially saw himself as fiercely independent, but now believes in the value of learning from others. He wants to learn from humans, not just computers or textbooks. This shift in perspective is notable, but it seems it didn't resonate with admissions officers. The debate sparked by Yadegari's experience is about more than just one student. It's about the value of college, especially for entrepreneurs. Some argue that college isn't necessary for success, while others see it as a place for furthering research and science. Yadegari's case seems to support the former, as he's already achieved so much without a college degree. Yadegari is considering attending one of the three colleges that accepted him, but he's not sure he'll stay all four years. He sees college as a place to build relationships and gain experiences, not just a requirement to check off. This attitude, while honest, might have worked against him in the admissions process. The whole experience raises questions about what colleges value. Do they want students who fit a certain mold, or do they want students who challenge the status quo? Yadegari's story suggests that being too successful or confident in one's own path can be a disadvantage in the college admissions process.