College was a great place for networking and failing (learning) in a controlled environment. The experiences were very valuable and the perspectives of fellow students provided an excellent forum to debate and challenge ideas.... that being said, too many classes had professors who looked for conforming views. There were a few transfers from hard right religious schools in Virginia that had a very difficult time even considering views counter to what they were indoctrinated to agree with.

While college may not be as effective as experience, it is a lot of fun and provides you the luxury of exploring intellectual opportunities that are seldom seen outside of academia.