> you observe other students putting similar amounts of effort, but obtaining much better results, understanding things more quickly and getting better ideas, y

> you observe other students putting similar amounts of effort, but obtaining much better results, understanding things more quickly and getting better ideas, you should probably just drop out. I had the opposite experience when I went through college. I was the one that was so far ahead of everyone else, and I realized that college was a complete waste of my time and my money (I was working and sold many of my things to pay for college out of my own pocket so I wouldn't take debt). I went and cold-sat three certification exams, started applying for contract jobs, and dropped out of college as soon as I had a reasonable offer. I had originally intended to stay in academia and do research, but I realized it was going to be an absolute grind and I wouldn't be able to connect with my peers socially or intellectually. I found a place in industry, put myself out of my comfort zone and grew a lot, and I definitely do not regret ditching academia and going into industry.