What should I have accomplished by 17?
See what remarkable builders and entrepreneurs achieved at age 17
Your Position
Notable Achievements at Age 17
Won the Hobey Baker Award (youngest ever)
Awarded the Hobey Baker Award as top NCAA men's hockey player; at 17 became the youngest winner and the fourth freshman to win.
Selected 1st overall in 2023 NHL Entry Draft by Chicago Blackhawks
Chicago selected Bedard first overall in the 2023 NHL Draft — the second No.1 pick in franchise history.
2022–23 WHL regular season — 143 points (71G, 72A)
Finished the 2022–23 WHL season with 71 goals and 72 assists for 143 points in 57 games; led the CHL in scoring.
Committed to Duke University
Paolo committed to play college basketball at Duke, surprising some who expected him to choose Washington.
FIBA U19 World Cup gold and MVP
At the 2019 FIBA U19 World Cup in Bangkok, averaged 11.6 PPG and tournament-high 5.4 APG; named MVP and won gold with USA.
Committed to Vanderbilt
Committed to Vanderbilt University, citing proximity to home and coach Bryce Drew as factors.
Committed to Duke University
Announced commitment to play college basketball at Duke for the 2018–19 season, choosing Duke over other major programs.
Committed to Duke University
Announced commitment to Duke to play college basketball for the 2015–16 season.
Moved to Los Angeles to pursue music
Shortly after graduating high school (Theodore Roosevelt High School), Mars relocated to Los Angeles to pursue a music career.
Matriculated at Spelman College
Enters Spelman College (an HBCU in Atlanta) to study interdisciplinary studies (political science, economics, sociology).
Enrolls at Reed College; drops out
Enrolled at Reed College (Portland, OR) in 1972 and dropped out after one semester; continued auditing classes (notably calligraphy).
Started undergraduate studies at Oxford
Began university education at University College, Oxford, studying physics (could not read mathematics there at the time).
Duke collegiate debut vs Maine
In his college debut Flagg recorded 18 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals in a 96–62 win over Maine.
Hockey East Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Scoring Champion, Three-Stars Award
Won multiple major Hockey East honors after breakout freshman campaign.
Finished freshman season with 32 goals and 64 points (38 games)
Recorded 32 goals and 64 points in 38 games in his 2023–24 freshman season at Boston University.
Committed to Rutgers Scarlet Knights
Harper committed to Rutgers on Dec 6, 2023 over offers from Duke, Kansas, Indiana and Auburn; he became the highest-rated recruit in Rutgers history.
Won Bob Clarke Trophy (WHL scoring champion)
Awarded the Bob Clarke Trophy as WHL's leading scorer for 2022–23 season.
Set Canadian single-tournament World Junior points record (23)
At the 2023 World Juniors, set new Canadian single-tournament points record with 23 points (9 goals, 14 assists) in 7 games and won gold.
💡 What this means for you
At age 17, you're at a pivotal point where many successful entrepreneurs made their breakthrough. Whether you're building your first company or scaling an existing one, these examples show what's possible with focus and execution.
Share Your Results
🎯 Challenge a Friend
See how your friends and colleagues compare at their age. Share this tool to start a friendly competition!
How Do You Stack Up?
Compare your achievements at age 17 with industry leaders and see where you stand.