The issue here is that going through a professional institution is the difference between being a &#x27;self taught amateur&#x27; and a &#x27;well studied professional&#x27;. Even if both people are equally capable, the one with the paperwork is going to have a far easier time getting a job through traditional channels.<p>Even if you plan on being an entrepreneur, your first media coverage is either going to say &#x27;the Harvard graduate&#x27; or &#x27;the self taught .. &#x27;. So it&#x27;s an indicator even then. For Apple and Microsoft, &#x27;college dropout&#x27; featured in nearly every early article. It became something of a compliment after a bit though and helped them stand out somehow. Nothing is ever simple, but just being accepted is probably enough even if you don&#x27;t finish.