And to add non thread-jacking input:

I am still of the belief that geniuses are made not born. While there are researchers trying to figure out the genetics behind intelligence, you'll find that most if not every person we consider "geniuses" did the tried and true thing of sticking to their guns and putting down the effort. It takes 10000 hours to master a skill they say, and that extends to all fields of knowledge, arts, sports, etc... I think the genius part comes in to our lack of understanding of the genius's interest.

I was one of the so called 'overachievers' (and no, many of us don't label ourselfs as such as some people in this thread have pointed out). I say "was" because that's what my teachers and peers and parents had described me as. Yet I never considered my achievements as nothing else but the results of my efforts. It wasn't until in high school (while learning some of the more time-consuming subjects such as physics, calc, and yes even art), that my easy going attitude had trumped my discipline in schoolwork.

I did fine afterall (4.2/4), but the bad practice carried over to college. The straight A student became the C average student in short order, mostly in part to the lack of courses where u can "BS" your way through them, or commit facts to memory. Yet, I found some interesting things that reinforced my beliefs in the discipline needed for school. I saw "C" hiigh school students turn into "A" college students, and saw freshman tutors become senior "tutorees". The common denominator being the amount of hours put in.

Now you may be telling yourself, "but I've seen this guy get the concept of ---insert least favorite subject here---- in no time, he's most definitely a genius!"; but the fact is that said concept is more than likely built on past concepts which said "guy" arduously worked on. We may not see the thoughts evolving in a Nobel Laureate's mind like we see a gymnast develop great flexibility leading to olympic winning performances, but was the road to get there that much different?

So to sum things up, if we measure success as the acquisition of wealth or money, than you most certainly don't need a college education (more than 50 % of millionaires don't have one (or so i've read) [think Bill Gates]). Do what feels right to you; if you want to start a gardening business and dissapoint your parents, go for it (just work harder/smarter than your competitors). Your success will ultimately be the measure of the happiness you achieve, not the diplomas hanging on your wall.