the education was not as useful. university seems good as a way to meet people, but I suspect an enterprising individual could meet people elsewhere and by other means.
I am not sure about that. At university, the faculty are inclined to help you because your success translates to their institutional prestige. You are also surrounded by other bright people who consider you a peer.
Outside of a university setting, you are going to get a lot of "who the heck is this and why should I give them my time?"
The trouble is, most students don't enter into university thinking that that's where the value lies. They think the value is either the diploma itself (perhaps), and the building of skills (also perhaps, but much easily acquired elsewhere). What's really harder to obtain is a setting in which people are willing to listen to and support your ideas.
I am not sure about that. At university, the faculty are inclined to help you because your success translates to their institutional prestige. You are also surrounded by other bright people who consider you a peer.
Outside of a university setting, you are going to get a lot of "who the heck is this and why should I give them my time?"
The trouble is, most students don't enter into university thinking that that's where the value lies. They think the value is either the diploma itself (perhaps), and the building of skills (also perhaps, but much easily acquired elsewhere). What's really harder to obtain is a setting in which people are willing to listen to and support your ideas.