[paulhauggis]

I was well past the classes I took in college by the time I took them (I started programming at 13).

When I took classes, we had projects every couple of weeks or so and even though they sounded boring, I would always make them interesting and go above and beyond what was assigned.

I also don't believe there isn't something you can learn. Even though I am a self-taught programmer, I learned all kinds of new tricks, proper style, and even improved my discipline by forcing myself to work on things I really didn't enjoy.

Coding in the real world is much different. Many times you will be on much tighter deadlines, be forced to cut corners, work on code you really don't enjoy, and not have all of the correct specs for the new feature or project.

[diericx]

Coding in the real world doesn't sound very fun. :( What you said is true and is what I did. I would try to implement cool techniques I found on the internet but ended up getting marked off for not following the course.

[paulhauggis]

You should follow the course exactly..and then add onto what is required. This way, you won't get marked down for not following directions.

It's not always fun, but what work is? The main benefit is that you get paid extremely well and you can use the money to have fun.