To anybody in school (especially in the smaller grades): Here's what you need to start doing TODAY.
Try (when you can) to work on your own business, art, or a trade job. Do this in as small bites as you can, and try to make actual real money from it. Heck, sell individual candies for a quarter a piece at your school, if you can get away with it. Also learn eCommerce and taxes. Insist on being in on your family's budgeting meetings.
By the time you graduate, you just might have enough money and foresight to plan for college... if you even want to do that. (Hint: it is not always necessary).
Also, if you're of working age, try doing 1-2 side hustles or part time jobs and just pocket that cash. Start working with CDs, Stocks, Bonds, Crypto, Precious Metals, anything just to get you a head start in life. Make chargeable events on Eventbrite.
I would probably recommend college (4-year uni type degrees) for anybody who actually wants to do STEM jobs or get into teaching. HOWEVER, take a gap year or two to work (travel, if you can) and understand who you are, what you want to do, and how the real world works. Because let me tell you, few people actually understand themselves as teenagers, and people change. This is especially directed at people who graduate early.
Not even kidding or being sarcastic. Hope this helps. God Bless.