A common trend among billionaires of dropping out of school to pursue their passion has had many people wonder, did Bill Gates drop out of college?
Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft and one of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs, is no stranger to success.
And like many other billionaires, his story inspires and encourages many young entrepreneurs and technology enthusiasts worldwide.
He has achieved numerous accolades, including Bambi awards, satellite awards, and YouTube creator awards. But…
Did Bill Gates drop out of college?
The answer is yes; Bill Gates did drop out of college. After two years at Harvard, studying pre-law and computer science, Gates left in 1975 to focus his full attention on Microsoft.
Microsoft was a computer software company he co-founded with his childhood friend Paul Allen.
Despite leaving college, Gates’ impact on the world of technology and business has been immense, and his legacy continues to this day.
Early Life Of Bill Gates
Bill Gates was born on October 28, 1955, in Seattle, Washington, to a family of lawyers. His mother, Mary, was a schoolteacher, and his father, William H. Gates Sr., was a prominent lawyer.
Gates went to a private school at Lakeside School, a prestigious private school in Seattle, and it’s here where he discovered his love and passion for computers & technology that would later shape his career and future.
The school had acquired a computer terminal, and out of curiosity, Gates, 13 at the time, with some of his classmates, spent hours experimenting and learning about the new technology.
At the same age, he come up with a tic-tac-toe game, his first computer program. After graduating from Lakeside School in 1973, he attended Harvard University, where he studied pre-law and computer science.
However, his passion for computers proved stronger than his interest in law, and he dropped out of Harvard after two years to pursue a career in the computer industry.
It was in 1975 that Gates and his childhood friend Paul Allen came together and co-founded a company called Microsoft.
Gates’ leadership and vision would majorly make Microsoft one of the world’s most successful and influential companies.
Under his guidance, the company developed and released several groundbreaking products, including Windows, Office, and the Xbox.
His success in the tech industry has also led to significant philanthropic endeavors, like the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which aims to reduce extreme poverty and improve healthcare globally.
Despite the many challenges and criticisms he faced during his career, Gates’ early interest in computers and technology has led to a truly remarkable life and legacy admired by many.
What Drove Bill Gates To Drop Out of School?
Simply put, his passion, vision, drive, and love for technology led him to take that step.
Despite being a successful student, he became more interested in computer programming and technology than in traditional academic subjects.
He spent countless hours tinkering with computers and learning about new technologies and eventually decided to pursue this passion full-time.
Bill Gates had a vision of creating products that would change the world, and he knew that to make this vision a reality, he needed to focus on it full-time.
So, at the age of 20, he made the bold decision to drop out of college and pursue his dreams. He saw the potential for technology to change the world and was driven to make it a reality, even if it meant dropping out of school.
His decision to drop out of college was a courageous move; not everyone would have the guts to do that.
Following his dropout, Gates and Allen co-founded Microsoft, which would become the world’s most successful software company.
Microsoft’s most popular product to date is the Windows operating system, which has been installed on almost 90% of all computers worldwide.
Other Successful Billionaires Who Dropped Out Of School
1. Mark Zuckerberg
Mark Zuckerberg, the co-founder of Facebook, has a net worth of $54.7 billion and is one of the wealthiest people in the world.
He dropped out of Harvard University to focus on building Facebook, which has become one of the world’s most successful social media companies.
2. Larry Ellison
Have you heard of Oracle? The man behind it is Larry Ellison, with an estimated net worth of $112.7 billion.
He dropped out of the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois, but his passion for software development led him to establish one of the best software companies in the world.
Despite his lack of a formal degree, Ellison’s entrepreneurial drive and expertise in software development have made him super rich and successful.
3. Sheldon Adelson
Sheldon Adelson, the billionaire CEO of Las Vegas Sands, dropped out of City College of New York.
His entrepreneurial spirit and business acumen led him to create one of the world’s most successful casino and resort empires, making him a net worth of $40.3 billion.
Despite the lack of formal education, his vision and determination to succeed in the industry have made him a prominent figure in the business world.
4. Li Ka-Shing
Li Ka-Shing, a Hong Kong businessman with a net worth of $32.6 billion, dropped out of high school, but that did not stop him from building an empire with CK Hutchinson Holdings.
His hard work and sharp business skills have made him one of the most successful businessmen in Asia, proving that a lack of formal education does not limit one’s ability to succeed in the business world.
5. Paul Allen
And, of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without Allen’s name on it. Many people don’t even don’t know that Gates and Allen ended their partnership, and while Bill gates remained focused on Microsoft, Allen pursued different investments.
Before co-founding Microsoft, Allen had dropped out of Washington State University, but that did not stop him from amassing a net worth of $20 billion.
The Impact Of Microsoft In Today’s World
Microsoft has had a significant impact on the technology industry and the world as a whole. And it’s not hard to see the sectors and how Microsoft has contributed to our society. Some of the major impacts include.
Personal computing
Windows OS and Office software suite have become the standard for personal computers, making it easier for people to use and access technology.
As stated earlier, more than 90% of computers in the world use the Windows Operating System, a product of Microsoft.
Business
Microsoft’s software has become the standard in many businesses, making it easier for employees to collaborate and communicate. Many software developed by Microsoft allows collaborative engagements in business settings.
Examples include Teams and Skype, which proved very useful, especially when the Corona Virus kicked in. Businesses continued to run regardless of the lockdown thanks to such products by Microsoft.
Gaming
The gaming industry has also greatly benefited from the innovation and developments of Microsoft Company.
Microsoft’s Xbox gaming console has become one of the most popular gaming consoles in the world, revolutionizing the gaming industry.
Internet
One of the major impacts of Microsoft on the tech world is its role in popularizing the internet. Internet Explorer browser, a product of Microsoft, was one of the first widely used browsers.
It popularized the internet and made it easy for people to access it. This made it more convenient for people to access information and stay connected and paved the way for today’s internet-based technologies.
Innovation
Since its founding, Microsoft has been a pioneering force in the technology sector, continually pushing and advancing the industry.
Microsoft has always been at the forefront of technical growth, from creating the Windows OS to developing the Xbox gaming console and introducing Surface tablets.
Its commitment to innovation has developed numerous innovative goods and services that have changed how we live, work, and play.
Conclusion
Did Bill Gates drop out of college? Yes, he did, and his decision was controversial, especially given his privilege as a Harvard student.
Gates’ decision to leave college changed the course of his life and altered the future of the technology industry.
Microsoft, the software company that Gates co-founded, is now a multi-billion dollar corporation and one of the most recognized companies in the world.
And one important lesson we learn from billionaires like Bill Gates is that, while education is a basic need and important, you can be successful in life even with limited education.
To those who, for any reason, were unable to finish school, not all is lost. Identify your passion and give it all you got. Who knows? Maybe tomorrow, you will be the next billionaire dropout.
