Of course, we all know the story: work hard in school, get into the best college, graduate with honors, and success is inevitable. But the reality is, some of the most successful people in history didn’t exactly excel in school—many didn’t even live long enough to graduate. The following 15 people, in the worlds of entertainment, technology, and more, are proof that it’s possible to make an enormous impact on the world, regardless of your grades.
15. Jennifer Lawrence
A learning disability was assigned to her during her youth, yet Jennifer Lawrence did not let this disability prevent her from succeeding. She took a step away from traditional education and focused on her acting career, which has paid off with Oscars and a position on the list of the highest-paid stars in Hollywood.
14. Harry Styles
Harry Styles moved out of the classroom and into the spotlight early by dropping out of school to audition for The X Factor. The move paid off for the pop star, who achieved worldwide fame with his boy band One Direction and continues to enjoy a successful solo music and acting career.
13. Jack London
A rough-around-the-edges brawler and habitual troublemaker, Jack London was expelled and never graduated. Instead, he spent his life leading adventures, which fueled his writing as one of America’s most read authors.
12. Katy Perry
At age 17, Katy Perry dropped out of high school to fulfill her vision of becoming a pop superstar. She eventually received her GED, but by then, she was already headed towards selling millions of records and chart-topping success globally.
11. John Travolta
John Travolta quit high school at 17 to go to New York and pursue an acting career. In a matter of years, he was dancing his way through Saturday Night Fever and Grease.
10. Ray Bradbury
Ray Bradbury found schoolwork difficult, but writing came easily. He abandoned formal education, perfected his writing, and emerged as one of the best-known science fiction writers of the 20th century.
9. Mark Twain
Mark Twain discontinued his education after elementary school to become a printer’s apprentice. His travels and work life provided the basis for his iconic humor and writing.
8. Charles Dickens
Tragedy led Charles Dickens to drop out of school early, but his passion for writing never diminished. He proceeded to write timeless classics such as Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol.
7. Quentin Tarantino
Dropping out at 16, Quentin Tarantino cobbled together his education in acting school, film marathons, and self-instruction. His voice made him one of the most recognizable directors of contemporary cinema.
6. Walt Disney
Failing in school and suffering from ADHD, Walt Disney quit at 16 to pursue his dream of animation. Three decades later, he created a dynasty of beloved characters and theme parks.
5. Steve Jobs
Steve Jobs only went to college for a semester before dropping out to begin Apple. His transformation of the Macintosh, iPod, iPhone, and iPad revolutionized technology once and for all.
4. Rihanna
Dropping out of high school to pursue a music career, Rihanna put out her first record as a teen and then took over not only the charts but the fashion and beauty industries as well.
3. Bill Gates
Bill Gates left Harvard to begin Microsoft, developing it into a world-shaping tech firm. Today, he’s a prominent philanthropist.
2. Albert Einstein
Einstein quit school at 15 because it was too rigid and boring. Decades later, he transformed physics and became one of the most famous geniuses in history.
1. Thomas Edison
Attending public school for only a few months, Edison was taught at home by his mother. His inventive mind eventually produced more than 1,000 patents, changing the modern world.
So, if your grades aren’t perfect or your path doesn’t follow the “plan,” take heart—these icons are proof that success can be built outside the classroom.