The biggest difference is that self-teaching implies more variability in skill outcomes. Lower lows, higher highs. Look for people who can learn the structure

The biggest difference is that self-teaching implies more variability in skill outcomes. Lower lows, higher highs. Look for people who can learn the structure of a problem when there's no guidebook (or textbook) available. If they can do this, then they will likely succeed in tackling the unknown. This 'autodidactic tenacity' can be learned inside or outside of school. Knowing how to independently learn means you will invest in yourself for the rest of your life. Attending classes and doing homework do not, themselves, teach you how to do that.