Geniuses Who Didn't Succeed At School: Rihanna, Branson, Jobs + 20 Other Famous People

Do you know what the search results would be if you looked up "Steve Jobs college dropout," "did Rihanna drop out," and "why did Bill Gates drop out"? We're going to tell you what: all three of these famous people were high school dropouts before becoming wildly successful. So, if you're feeling discouraged with coursework, first off, make sure you’re using essay writing services to help you with your assignment needs. Then, take heart from the following stories of 20 famous people who prove that you don't need a degree to be successful!

What Geniuses Didn't Go To School? Inventors

There are many examples of geniuses who failed school or did not attend at all. For instance, Thomas Edison, one of the most prolific inventors to walk this earth, only had a few months of formal schooling. Similarly, Albert Einstein immersed himself in self-study, reading extensively about mathematics and physics. Who knows what they would have done if they had the option of order an essay online? Regardless, let's look at examples showing that a degree is not always necessary for genius-level intelligence.

Thomas Edison Drop Out

Thomas Edison is one of the most distinguished inventors in history, and his inventions have profoundly impacted the world. He is also among the most notable school dropouts. To clarify, before you search "Thomas Edison kicked out of school," – he only attended public school for a few weeks before being pulled out by his mother to be homeschooled. Despite this, Edison went on to become very successful. So how did he do it?

For one thing, Edison was a voracious reader. In addition, he was extremely persistent. This hard work ethic served him well in life as he continued to produce groundbreaking inventions even in the face of failure. Ultimately, this combination of intelligence and hard work made Thomas Edison such a bright inventor.

Did Albert Einstein Drop Out Of School?

Einstein is one of the most well-known geniuses with bad grades. While praised as a curious student that came up with creative solutions for the problems he was presented with, Einstein didn’t achieve high grades. But did Albert Einstein dropout of high school? He did! He found the work unchallenging and his teachers too rigid, so he decided to drop out at the age of 15.

You may wonder, though - did Einstein graduate high school eventually? The answer is no! Before pursuing his Ph.D., Einstein briefly held a normal job as a patent clerk. However, Einstein's intelligence was evident, and he proceeded to make important advances in the physics field.

Steve Jobs Notoriously Never Earned A Degree

Steve Jobs co-founded Apple Inc. and is widely considered a pioneer of the microcomputer revolution of the 1970s and 1980s. But did you know that, in addition to his numerous achievements, Steve Jobs college dropou’ is among the things he's also well-known for?

In 1972, Jobs attended Reed College in Portland, Oregon, for one semester before dropping out. In 1976, he and Wozniak founded Apple Computer Inc., which later became Apple Inc. As the company's CEO and majority shareholder, Jobs oversaw the introduction of a number of revolutionary products, including the first Macintosh computer in 1984, the iPod in 2001, the iPhone in 2007, and the iPad in 2010.

When researching Steve Jobs, you may come across "Steve Jobs drop out school". However, he was still able to become one of the most successful entrepreneurs of all time without ever graduating from any higher academic institution.

Who Dropped Out Of School And Became Famous Writers?

Did you know that many of your famous authors don't have a degree? There are many more cases of geniuses with bad grades and college drop out stories. Prominent literary dropouts include Mark Twain, Jack London, Horatio Alger Jr., and F. Scott Fitzgerald.

In many ways, their lack of formal training may have even helped them develop their distinctive voices. But, as these writers demonstrate, it is possible to achieve great things without a diploma. So, let’s take a look at some of their stories below!

Charles Dickens Never Completed His Formal Education

Charles Dickens is one of the most acclaimed writers of all time, yet he had very little formal education. He actually isn't one of the successful people who failed school – he was forced to drop out at an early age to support his poverty-stricken family.

Despite having to forgo schooling for work, Dickens was able to make up for his lack of formal education by being a passionate reader with natural writing talent. He began publishing stories and articles and eventually went on to write some of the world's most beloved novels. It shows that a great writer must have imagination, passion, and determination.

Did Ray Bradbury Have Bad Grades At School?

Ray Bradbury was a highly prolific author but didn't always have the easiest time in school. He often had trouble with his grades. Part of the problem was that Bradbury had dyslexia, which made it difficult for him to read and comprehend his schoolwork.

Nevertheless, Bradbury persevered and went on to become one of the most celebrated authors of the twentieth century. So, while he may be amongst the most famous people who failed school, Ray Bradbury's story is one of inspiration and perseverance.

Why Did Mark Twain Drop Out Of school?

Mark Twain is one of America's most beloved writers, but he did not have formal education beyond elementary school. In a 1906 interview, Twain explained that he left school to become a printer's apprentice. At that time, he worked as a typesetter and developed a love for the printing trade. 

However, his father insisted that he finish his schooling. Twain reluctantly agreed and left his previous job, but after just two weeks, he decided that he had had enough. He left for good and became one of his generation's most successful authors. Again – his example demonstrates that you don't need a diploma to be successful in life!

Jack London Dropped Out To Pursue A Career As A Reporter

Jack London was expelled for fighting and spent much of his time in the principal's office. However, London was not a lost cause. He was an avid reader and loved learning about the world around him. 

While he never finished school, London learned about life through his own experiences and those of the people he met on the job working as a reporter. His education may not have been traditional, and he may be considered one of the so-called "geniuses with bad grades," but it served him well. As a result, London became one of the most popular writers of his time, and his stories continue to be read and enjoyed by millions today.

Check out our articles: virtual reality apps for the classroom or how to succeed in a group project at EssayHub blog.

What Celebrities Did Not Do Well In School?

Some celebrities are known to be downright terrible students – geniuses with bad grades! For example, you may look up, "did Rihanna drop out of high school?" The answer will surprise you (hint: we will tell you below!)

Several celebrities and A-listers have shared that it was hard for them to sit still in a classroom and follow instructions. While they may not have excelled in traditional academics, their unique perspective, however, helped them succeed in their chosen field. So, if you're struggling, read these celebrities' stories and get inspired! You, too, may be destined for greatness!

Katy Perry Dominated The Music Industry Without A Degree

Katy Perry didn't exactly fail school, but she's not known to have excelled in it, either. Having said that, she's not exactly a fit for the famous people who failed school category. Perry left school at age 17, halting her schooling to follow her dreams of a career in the music industry.

In an interview with "60 Minutes", Perry said that she "knew [she] wanted to sing." She's among the best-selling artists of all time, with more than 150 million records sold worldwide. Eventually, Perry shared that she earned her GED, though Katy still maintains that she could have benefitted from better schooling when she was younger.

Did John Travolta Fail School?

Although John Travolta's acting career has been outstanding, the actor actually left school at just 17 years old and moved to New York to seek a career in acting.

Despite his lack of formal education, Travolta has proved he is a talented actor. He first rose to prominence in the 1970s with his acting roles in the hit movies "Saturday Night Fever" and "Grease." Since then, he has appeared in dozens of films, including "Pulp Fiction," "Get Shorty," and "Hairspray."

In addition to his successful acting career, Travolta is also a skilled pilot and has his own airline. John Travolta has undoubtedly achieved a lot throughout his amazing career!

Harry Styles: A Dropout With A Sizzling Music Career

It's no secret that Harry Styles has had a wildly successful career since he first rose to fame as a participant in the talent show X-factor and later as a member of One Direction. But did you know that he actually left school at a young age? Harry's decision ultimately paid off as he gained massive fame and became a fixture in the music and entertainment industry.

He was able to follow his dreams and quickly achieve global superstardom, having recently also forayed into the acting world. Today, he is worth an estimated $100 million. So, Harry has earned his spot on the list of successful people who failed school. It's safe to say that his career has been just a bit more successful than the average high school graduate's!

Did Quentin Tarantino Finish High School?

Quentin Tarantino is one of the most popular and accomplished directors, but many people don't know that he dropped out of Narbonne High School in Los Angeles at 16. He later took some acting classes, but for the most part, he is self-taught. 

Tarantino has stated that he does not regret his decision because leaving school allowed him to pursue his dreams on the big screen. And it appears that he was correct! He is regarded as one of the greatest directors of his genre and, by many, one of the best directors of all time.

Ryan Gosling Is Also One Of The Famous People Who Struggled In School

Many people recognize Ryan Gosling as a successful actor, but few know he has dyslexia. As a result, he struggled in school and was frequently teased by his classmates. He eventually learned to read and write, but he still had a hard time with basic tasks like knowing the alphabet.

Yet, despite his challenges, he never gave up on his dream of becoming an actor. In fact, he credits his dyslexia for making him the creative person that he is today. While it may have been difficult at times, Ryan Gosling has ultimately embraced his dyslexia and used it to fuel his success, finding fame and fortune through blockbuster roles on the big screen.

Robert Downey Jr.: Yet Another Member Of The Geniuses Who Failed School Celebrities Club

Robert Downey Jr. is one of Hollywood's most celebrated actors, but his road to success was far from easy. Despite being born into a family of entertainers, Downey struggled in school and was eventually kicked out for poor grades. His career later took a turn for the worse, and he spent several years in and out of jail and without a job. 

However, the actor eventually turned his life around, getting clean and landing major roles in some of Hollywood's biggest movies. Today, Downey is considered one of the greatest actors of his generation, proving that genius can sometimes come from unexpected places.

Walt Disney Found Success Against All Odds

Walt Disney is one of the most successful animators and film producers ever, and he's also yet another one of those famous people who struggled in school. As a child, he was diagnosed with ADHD and struggled in school. Because of this, his classmates often made fun of him, and he couldn't stay focused on his work. However, Walt Disney did not let his challenges hold him back. He dropped out at 16 to pursue a career in animation, and he quickly found success. 

Throughout his career, he won 22 Academy Awards and created some of the most beloved characters in the film. Despite not spending so much time in academic settings and facing many challenges early on in his career, Walt Disney's determination and talent helped him achieve great things in life.

Did Rihanna Drop Out Of School?

Few people know that before dropping her debut album with Jay-Z, Rihanna dropped high school. She released her debut album at just 19 years of age, and it quickly shot to the top of the charts. She followed up her debut with an even more successful sophomore album, and by the time she was 21, she was already among the most influential celebrities in the world. 

Since then, Rihanna has earned a spot among A-listers, winning numerous awards and collaborating with some of the biggest names in music, including a continuous collaboration with her mentor Jay-Z. 

Jennifer Lawrence: The Hollywood Actress Who's Among The Famous People Who Struggled In School

Jennifer Lawrence is one of the world's most well-known celebrities and acting stars, but it wasn't easy for her to get where she's now. The actress was told early on that she had a learning disability. However, she didn't allow this to hold her back. 

Lawrence became one of Hollywood's highest-paid actresses by working hard and staying focused. Anyone who has ever had trouble in school can learn something from her story. It just shows that if you have enough courage and keep going, you can do anything.

5 Billionaires Who Never Graduated From High School

Several self-made billionaires, many of them who are also celebrities and stars in their respective fields, have never set foot on a university campus. So yes - people with various job titles, such as actresses, fashion designers, set dressers, aerobics instructors, or conducting business without a law degree or running a law firm, have made billions! They may even be known for winning a Presidential Medal - while counting "dropping out" among their lengthy achievements.

The college drop out stories we share next show that it is possible to achieve success without a degree with hard work and determination!

John D. Rockefeller Is The World's Richest Dropout

In addition to his work in the oil industry, John D. Rockefeller made significant contributions to the banking field and charitable causes. Still, he is perhaps best recognized as the wealthiest American ever to live.

Despite his eventual success, Rockefeller is among the famous people who failed school. His first business crashed, and he dropped out of high school after one year. Nevertheless, Rockefeller persisted and founded Standard Oil, which made him rich. His life story shows that even great people must overcome significant obstacles.

Why Did Branson Drop Out Of School?

When Sir Richard Branson was 16, he left school. Although some might say that was a mistake, he disagrees. In fact, he believes that it was one of the best decisions Branson ever made, as he found that he had a natural talent for business. 

After starting a magazine for students, he quickly realized that he could make more money by working for himself. And so, with the encouragement of his parents, he started his own record label, Virgin Records. Branson has built an empire that spans multiple industries thanks to his risk-taking spirit and entrepreneurial drive. 

Why Did Bill Gates Drop Out Of High School?

While on the subject of successful people who failed school, we should mention Bill Gates, arguably one of the most successful business people in the world. He is the co-founder of Microsoft, and his net worth is estimated at over $100 billion. Gates has been highly influential in technology and is often cited as one of the main driving forces behind the personal computer revolution. 

Given his incredible success, it may be a surprise to learn that Gates dropped out of Harvard University after just two years to start Microsoft with his friend Paul Allen. Today, Gates is widely respected as a visionary thinker and remains an active philanthropist through his Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Mark Zuckerberg's Bad Marks

In 2004, Mark Zuckerberg founded Facebook while studying at Harvard University. The website quickly gained popularity; by 2006, it had expanded to include users from over 30 different academic institutions. However, as Facebook continued to grow, Zuckerberg began to experience difficulty balancing his schoolwork with his responsibilities as CEO. So in 2007, he dropped out of Harvard to focus on Facebook full-time, a decision that made him yet another entry to the "famous people who struggled in school" list.

While this may have been a controversial decision at the time, it ultimately proved to be wise since "Zuckerberg drop out" is not the only title to follow him to this day. Under his leadership, Facebook has become one of the most popular websites in the world, with over 2 billion active users. Given its success, it's hard to imagine that things could have turned out any other way.

Henry Ford Changed The World... Without A Degree

Henry Ford was one of the most successful American businessmen of the 20th century. He is best known for establishing the Ford Motor Company and transforming the automotive industry. However, people know that Ford was a dropout, as he left school at 15 and never looked back. 

Ford had a natural talent for mechanical engineering and got a job in a machine shop in Detroit, where he quickly rose through the ranks. Then, in 1903, he established the Ford Motor Company and began mass-producing automobiles. Ford's vehicles rapidly became some of the most popular on the market, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Ford's success demonstrates that you don't need a degree to succeed in life. Instead, you can achieve anything you set your mind to if you have a good idea and the drive to make it happen.

Success Is A State Of Mind!

Don't worry if you're unsure whether academic life is for you. You're not alone, and you still have time to achieve greatness. We hope this article inspired you by showing that many successful people and celebrities made it in life without a degree. You can accomplish anything if you work hard and follow your dreams – so if you’re focused on matriculating, getting some help shouldn’t be out of the question. Don’t hesitate to use a service which will help you reach all your academic goals!

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