Do A-graders make successful founders?

George Bush recently said in a university’s commencement speech (video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV9P1Zk3BGQ):

“Those of you who are graduating this afternoon with high honors, awards, and distinctions, I say, ‘well done’. And as I like to tell the C students.. You too, can be President.”

It might sound funny but it highlights some truth. In one article I just read (http://elitedaily.com/money/c-students-are-successful-in-life/1039028/), further claims the debate that has been ongoing: do we need A grades to succeed? Also, do we need A grades to be a successful entrepreneur?

Traditionally, it is natural for A-graders to climb up the corporate ladder and sit on C-level positions in big companies. With more startups coming up in the market, more emphasis is now on founders who did not get excellent grades, or even more famously, school dropouts. 

Another camp of thought says C-graders can make better founders. Just look at the big names we have. Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, WhatsApp founder Jan Koum, we see and hear more and more successful entrepreneurs and their stories after dropping out of school.

Another interesting read here: http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/231717

I personally think that it doesn’t matter if you are a school dropout or an A-grader. Sure, A-graders might have an advantage in terms of the resources they have at school (good grades allow you to go for enrichment courses, go overseas), but it doesn’t necessary make you stronger.

C-graders might be spending the time learning life skills, learn how to socialise, try a variety of courses, learn how to pick up that hot girl at the bar (it’s a skill too), while the A-graders are busy attending courses.

There is never an unfair advantage. The most unfair advantage is hard work and determination once you start your business. And the rest is history.

What do you guys think? Do C-graders / A-graders make successful founders?