I agree with everything except for your advice. For the vast majority of people getting into tech, college is probably the right answer. Basically, to go with the system, and accept that you're being taken for a ride (being scammed). It's the most common-sense way to get your foot in the door, even if it's "pay to win". Colleges end up being the gatekeepers and selling a product (you), usually to companies that are already satisfied with it.