A good university is the best place in the world to meet other programmers. Go to the best school you can - once you're there, you'll be shocked how fast you im

A good university is the best place in the world to meet other programmers. Go to the best school you can - once you're there, you'll be shocked how fast you improve when you're surrounded by other young hackers. The classes are a bonus - you won't be able to tell in advance which they are, but there will be a couple that will blow your mind wide open. The hacker crowd is not necessarily obvious at first glance; even the best schools are full of "thirteenth graders" and disaffected professors. But rest assured it's there. (The local ACM chapter is often a good place to start looking.) Applying doesn't cost much; don't be afraid to apply to MIT and Caltech. You might get in! The usual strategy is to apply to a couple "stretch schools," three or four you think you'll probably get into, and a "safety school." (Write the applications for your safety schools first - the essays get easier fast.) Community college is a backup. Work towards selective schools for now - they have early application deadlines. Community college, on the other hand, you can wait until practically the day before school starts. They're always there if you need them. That's what they're for. Finally, don't worry about money. That's what financial aid officers are for. If you get accepted, they'll figure out a way you can afford to attend.