Re:Experience is key... (Score 2, Insightful)

I teach in a CS dept at a middle-tier university. About 20% of our students could excel anywhere, but the other 80% would be overwhelmed at an top-tier university. I think it's important to find a good match between one's own aptitude and the level of other students at the college you plan to attend. If you find yourself consistently achieving beyond the level of your fellow students, you can always upgrade to a higher-pressure environment and take on more challenges.