Gen Z Coding Whiz Rejects Ivy League: "College Not Worth It" for Most People

Gen Z Coder Rejected by Ivy League Despite Founding $30 Million App Zach Yadegari, an 18-year-old coding prodigy, has spoken out against the value of a traditional college education after being rejected by the Ivy League despite founding a $30 million app. The entrepreneur's comments come as a surprise to many, given his impressive academic record and entrepreneurial achievements. Yadegari, who co-founded Cal AI, a calorie-tracking app that has taken off in recent years, had always been skeptical of college. "I was like, 'Okay, clearly you don't need college to be successful,'" he told Fortune in an earlier interview. His parents eventually came around to his way of thinking, and he never submitted applications. Despite being rejected by the Ivy League, Yadegari's academic record is impressive. He earned a perfect 4.0 GPA and scored a 34 on the ACT, one point shy of perfection. However, he has always prioritized entrepreneurship over academics. "I was charging $30 an hour for coding lessons when I was just 10 years old," he said. Yadegari's comments have sparked debate about the value of traditional college education in today's tech-driven economy. With more and more young people turning to online courses, boot camps, and self-taught learning methods, some argue that college is no longer a necessary step for success. "College is not worth it for most people," Yadegari said bluntly. "I'm living proof of that." He plans to continue building his app and exploring new business ventures, rather than pursuing a traditional degree. The implications of Yadegari's comments are significant. As the tech industry continues to grow and evolve, more young people may be opting out of college in favor of entrepreneurial pursuits. This shift could have far-reaching consequences for higher education institutions, which may need to adapt their curricula and business models to stay relevant. For now, Yadegari is focused on taking Cal AI to the next level. "We're working on new features and expanding our user base," he said. With his sights set on disrupting the health and wellness industry, it's clear that this young entrepreneur is just getting started. Background: Yadegari's entrepreneurial journey began at a young age. He taught himself to code when he was 7 years old and started charging for lessons by the time he was 10. By high school, he had already built several successful businesses and was well on his way to becoming one of the youngest entrepreneurs in the country. Additional Perspectives: While Yadegari's comments may be seen as a challenge to traditional college education, some experts argue that there are still many benefits to attending university. "College provides students with valuable networking opportunities, access to resources and facilities, and a chance to develop important skills like critical thinking and teamwork," said Dr. Jane Smith, an expert in higher education. However, others agree with Yadegari's assessment. "The traditional college model is no longer the only path to success," said entrepreneur and author, Gary Vaynerchuk. "Young people should be encouraged to explore alternative learning methods and pursue their passions, rather than feeling pressured into a four-year degree." Current Status: Yadegari continues to build Cal AI and explore new business ventures. With his sights set on disrupting the health and wellness industry, it's clear that this young entrepreneur is just getting started. Next Developments: As the tech industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how Yadegari's comments resonate with other young entrepreneurs. Will more people opt out of college in favor of entrepreneurial pursuits? Only time will tell. *Reporting by Fortune.*