I need some advice. This is my first post in years.

[Arcenas]

Hello there, xkcd community!

While I once was an avid geek, my devotion has waned over the years, and it depresses the hell out of me. Three years ago, when I was fourteen and in the Eighth grade, I had ambitions of being someone with enough mathematical knowledge and aptitude to compete in things like the International Math Olympiad. To make a long story shortly vague, I had to battle my own haunting obsessions, impulses, and emotional turmoils, which kicked me off the track, so to speak.

I'm seventeen years old now, and while that may sound really young to some of you, I feel as if I need to competitively get back on track with my studies. I'm planning on using the Internet, and books in my possession which I haven't cracked open in years, to better myself in general. My dream school is MIT, but I don't have the extracurricular achievements to help boost me into that school since I wasted away such a large portion of my high school career.

Things I've started doing include: Learning Python through learnpythonthehardway.com, learning C++, cracking open my old Calculus textbook to finally learn it (I planned on learning it at 13, yet if you gave me the AP Calc AB test right now, I'd flunk. My current school, dedicated to kids falling through the cracks, also doesn't offer Calculus), learning programming principles through codeacademy, using my Art of Problem Solving textbooks, using the Khan Academy.

I guess my questions are: What is the best academic path I can slate myself towards? I'm probably not getting into a very good college, but I can opt for some mid tier ones right? Then I can work hard and transfer from there.

What new fields of knowledge should I start looking into? I'm going to be out in the real world relatively soon, so I think I should start learning how to earn an income, and manage my money.

What books/websites should I get to know?

If you're going to take the time to at least tell me something worthwhile, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope I don't sound entitled or anything like that.

[Meem1029]

What are your interests and what do you want to do in life?

As far as coding goes, pick one thing and stick with it. You mention Python, c++, and javascript (codecademy) in your post. Learning multiple languages is a good idea at some point, but not as you are just starting. You want to learn the concepts behind programming solidly with one of them first. I would recommend python, as the book you are going through is a good book, c++ has a lot of stuff that you need to worry about that can get in the way of actually learning to program, and I don't have much experience with javascript, but have heard that codecademy doesn't do a great job of teaching you how to program (it's more of a copy this type, as opposed to teaching concepts and how they link).

As far as colleges are concerned, don't worry about not getting into MIT. You can find plenty of solid public schools that will provide you nearly as good of an education as MIT, for far less money anyway. For example, my intro cs professor was a major innovator in his field and gave personal attention and cared for his students learning far more than you'd be likely to find at ivy leagues.

[Zamfir]

Arcenas, do you like programming and calculus and whatnot? Because if you don't, and are just doing it to "better yourself", you have to be careful. There are enough people out there who do this stuff for fun.

The trick isn't to find a path towards an income, it's to find a path that you like, that you're somewhat good at, and also promises somewhat of an income.

[eSOANEM]

The trick isn't to find a path towards an income, it's to find a path that you like, that you're somewhat good at, and also promises somewhat of an income.

Qft.

It is far more important to do what you love than what you think will make you the most money; one of the best teachers I ever had initially wanted to be an accountant but realised he hated it and's now much more happy than he would be in a job he hates.

If it is what you want to do, I'm afraid I can't help you much with programming (all I know is a random fake-assembler and a bit of the actual version), with calculus and maths, I can probably give a bit more of a hand. Khanacademy is an excellent resource; mathematically, it stretches from arithmetic to differential equations, complex numbers and linear algebra as well as having lots of good videos on the various core sciences. It's calculus resources are absolutely superb and Sal is great at explaining things. Furthermore, because of the very modular nature of it (it's in 10 or 20 minute videos), it's very easy to quickly find an explanation of that one thing you haven't quite remembered. It's also got exercises as well for pretty much everything up to calculus.

[aoeu]

If you can spend a bit money you should be able to find an intensive summer course that expects no prior knowledge and covers more than all the math you are expected to know before entering higher education. Also check out http://ocw.mit.edu/.

[Arcenas]

Oh dear, sorry for taking so long to respond. I want to tell you guys that I appreciate your advice, and definitely will try to follow them. I do take some pleasure in doing math and programming, although it's more of how it provides escape from my depression than an actual fulfillment in and of itself.

My primary goal is to get into the Robotics industry and hopefully make some innovations in the field of AI. Part of why I want to go to MIT is to make that goal smoother for me. I will be looking into financial aid (which I heard MIT is rather good with) after I get done typing this post.

Right now I'm thinking of taking the GED test (which I know I can easily pass), going to community college for two years, actively doing things in terms of work and extracurriculars, then transferring to a good school from there. High school at the moment is just not fulfilling enough for me, with all its useless busywork that does not challenge or make me learn at all. To tell you guys the truth, I haven't been attending school for the past months, due to (according to my former English teacher) lack of stimulation

So what do you guys think of that path?

[Vangor]

So what do you guys think of that path?

Would always approve of someone pursuing higher education, in particular with your background and interests. However, I will say to be wary of this belief about the challenge community college represents compared to high school. I left high school after failing my ninth grade year due to absences. After doing some personal studies with supervision by parents, I began dual enrollment a year later with a local community college. This was a good decision, but I was not challenged and possessed little motivation to do the work as a result, still. I dawdled in class, in taking classes, etc..

Find those activities to begin doing now. You might find something to help develop you in maturity, better define your higher education route, or which is an entirely divergent path. Learning on your own is fantastic, but create something. Spent many years spending money and attending things which I was not passionate about and which I was convinced was the sole route for personal progress. Ken Robinson said best, "Not everyone has to go to college, and not everyone has to go right now. Maybe they go later."

Basically, before attending, feel successful on a personal level. Courses do not make someone successful but can help you become more successful.