We all know the traditional tale: work hard, get into the best university, collect the degrees, and success will naturally follow. But the reality is that some of the greatest minds in history never shone in the classroom—and some of them didn’t even get the chance to see what they could have accomplished. The 15 people on this list, ranging from the entertainment industry to the tech world and more, show that you can make a massive impact on the world even if your academic credentials aren’t exactly impressive.
15. Jennifer Lawrence
Called out as having a learning disability in her youth, Jennifer Lawrence could have let that label stick. Instead, she decided to forgo traditional education and pursue acting, and it paid off in a big way with her Oscar wins and her status as one of the highest-paid women in Hollywood.
14. Harry Styles
Harry Styles swapped classrooms for the spotlight at a very young age, dropping out of school to audition for The X Factor. It was this move that resulted in worldwide fame with One Direction, a successful solo recording career, and an increasing name as a movie actor.
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 school work 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.