DD has a close friend who is one of these kids-- certification is still pretty important, as he discovered upon graduating from high school at 16. BUT-- he was also able to skip over many prerequisite courses, even in his tech-oriented major.

He's doing very well in college, and knows WHY he's there, just as importantly. He's also continuing to run his own business on the side. It isn't making him "rich" by any means-- but it is allowing him to pay for tuition. smile

Schrödinger's cat walks into a bar. And doesn't.