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Teen Coding Prodigy Defies Ivy League, Creates $30M App

10/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Zach Yadegari, an 18-year-old coding prodigy, created Cal AI, a calorie-tracking app valued at $30 million.
He began coding at age 7, earning six figures from a gaming site during high school.
Despite a 4.0 GPA and a 34 ACT score, he was rejected by Ivy League schools.
He enrolled at the University of Miami.
His success challenges the necessity of a college degree in the tech industry.

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Story summary

Zach Yadegari, an 18-year-old coding prodigy, created Cal AI, a calorie-tracking app valued at $30 million.
He began coding at age 7, earning six figures from a gaming site during high school.
Despite a 4.0 GPA and a 34 ACT score, he was rejected by Ivy League schools.
He enrolled at the University of Miami.
His success challenges the necessity of a college degree in the tech industry.