Actually, I will like to know what it takes to be outstanding in my field of study and also; does one really need to be in the best school before he/she can be a genius in whatsoever field of study they choose?

Computer Science is such a wide and deep field that even university classes will be "too easy" for some students. I took computer science classes in high school as well as at university and there were always students very far ahead of the official program. With a stong mind, defication and an internet connection you can definitely become awesome in most fields of IT. Still, having a teacher or mentor coaching you will help cut some corners and save time. But I feel the best thing training can help is to fill in the blanks that you may not be aware you have. Many fields interconnect more than you may understand at first point

Formal education provides you with the foundation and tools you need to begin your successful journey. Universities that have a reputation for excelling in a certain area of study may enhance your chances at that first position and your starting pay to some extent. Over the long term, it doesn't matter. Many cannot afford to attend the best colleges in the field for a variety of reasons. That should not limit your long term success. To be successful, requires diligence, attention to detail and quality and continuous learning. In the IT field there are ample opportunities and online resources to continue to improve your skills and challenge yourself. Your quality of work, dependability and creativity and willingness to work well with others will be the most significant factors in your long term success.

Good luck in your endeavors!

Find something in computer science that you LOVE.

Don't be afraid to take chances by changing jobs. This will give you the experience and exposure to different aspects of computer science.

For example, I was trained to be a programmer, but wound up ..

1. working in a data center


2. performing disaster recovery exercises


3. became a systems administrator


4. became a COTS administrator


5. became a data warehouse expert (in the making)

Change is good.

It sounds like you already know what it takes to be outstanding. If you've become an accomplished pianist, becoming an effective programmer is not much different. It takes hard work, practice, and loving what you do enough to go the extra mile.

Regarding your school, it is true that some schools have a good reputation, and will look good on your resume. But all that really gets you is a slightly better chance of landing an interview. If you do poorly in an interview, it doesn't matter to me if you went to a prestigious school. In the same way, if you do well in an interview, it doesn't matter to me if you didn't go to a prestigious school. There is no substitute for putting what you've learned into practice. Take what you've learned, and write a program with it. That will tell me more about your skills than your degree.

Also in information technology, you have to be continually learning. The field evolves rapidly and constantly, so you'll want to stay informed. Subscribe to some online newsletters like JavaWorld or Smashing Magazine, and check job boards regularly to see what companies are hiring for.