How are web intents different from the Semantic Web? The only differences in ideology I can find right now is the prevalence of actions over data. But still, to what degree are these concepts similar?
As a high school student, the article was engaging and inspiring, as I have been also debating whether not to go, take an off year, or just go.
One thing I worry about for people who don't go is the lack of fundamentals that going to college can give you - about algorithms, low level languages, etc. The only way I've thought to solve that problem is to take (religiously) MIT OpenCourseWare courses, coursera, or some equivalent for 2 to 3 years.
But like others have said, you can always learn as you go and then go to college later if you feel like you need it. There are so many options -- it's a fascinating and difficult decision (and I've even left out the problem of societal pressure).