trying to become a recognized home-grown scientist

cavemen

We have different definitions for the word "cheap".
I am not that poor. I am a middle class man. Still far from being able to afford it.
It costs more per year than I earn. UM or Penn State
I am not self-sacrificing since i earn enough money to live and i just offered my ideas to the world
I can live without it.

TMFKAN64

Penn State tuition is about $15K per year for PA residents. CSU schools are much cheaper... about $5K tuition per year for CA residents. In addition, loans are available for some or all of this amount, plus living expenses.

As I said, perhaps you are not a lunatic. But when you claim to have a revolutionary theory/invention/whatever that you can't really tell anyone about because it will be stolen... you must understand that this sounds crazy. I think it's very unlikely that you'll find a professor willing to sign an NDA to discuss your invention.

You need credibility. Whether you believe it or not, a degree is the easiest way to obtain this.

cavemen

Then why is it such a haste to get in to one for an average high schooler, i happened to be some three years ago?

It is like getting a second job that brings you a negative income.

Feldoh

It's an investment, one that tends to have favorable rewards.

FunkyDwarf

It's also the way the world works so you'd better get used to it =)

Locrian

This reminds me of that old forum they discontinued - does anyone remember what it was called? Alternative Theories or something like that?

Man I had so many awesome quotes from there. Good times.

cavemen

lets not talk about it

thanks to everybody

i would really appreciate if this thread would get closed