Originally Posted by Kriston
But I can imagine an older version of him getting inspired, dropping everything else, and studying science full-time. It wouldn't take very long for a kid like that to catch up. I think it's unlikely, but possible.

Let's imagine though that he wasn't gifted. And, that he was entering high school age with elementary school level reading and math skills. That would be an entirely different story.

I certainly accept gifted kids can go from no interest in a subject to a high level of mastery. Our child had no interest in science but within weeks went to AP level study. He was able to this because he already had high level math, reading, thinking, and study skills. It still took hard work.