College, the beta version, I didn't care about grades. I was only taking three classes (French, English Comp, and Music) and ended up only paying attention in

College, the beta version, I didn't care about grades. I was only taking three classes (French, English Comp, and Music) and ended up only paying attention in French class. Came in handy when I decided to go to Paris that summer. Some years later I read Soul of a New Machine, got excited about studying EE, and managed a partial scholarship to NYIT. I cared about passing, and cared about learning (most) stuff, so I mostly got good grades. Switching from EE to CS helped. :) My enthusiasm sort of petered put after a while, I started lowering my course load (school + work was getting hard), then dropped out for bit then went back, but nine years later I graduated with honors and an award from the the English department. I had wicked great English profs, and a few really good CS teachers. Most of the time teachers would let me slide on assignments if I otherwise demonstrated understanding and the ability to apply what I knew. So I had some fun. Had one math prof who gave me a C even though I swear I never got more than 30 on any test. But I was the only one in class who asked intelligent questions and could make useful observations. (Thanks, Dr. Vitale!) Sadly, I sucked on the tests. Did the grades matter later in life? I doubt it. I think all that mattered was that I had a degree. Might be wrong, you never really know, but I don't recall too many people being impressed. Once you get a job all people care about is what you're doing right then and there, not some college grade. Overall I think you should learn as much as you can for its own sake, which often leads to good grades anyway.