Choosing a method for teaching programming: college or self-education?

Question

PHP

I went to college to study applied computer science after the 9th grade, hoping to get the foundation for my future profession as a programmer. I didn't do much in school. I want to study the discipline of programming (I'm closer to web programming), which I do, maybe not very productively due to the lack of time for this at the moment (I read books on php, Pascal, software development). I'm leaning towards the server side, I'm interested in programming and information security in the web (back-end). But there is one problem, you can say an internal conflict:
In my opinion, underachievement in college (the gap between desires and "necessary for the college course"). In particular, underachievement in mathematical disciplines. It is not possible to catch up, either laziness or reflection sets in (is it necessary?). In my opinion, they are caused by the lack of theory (I never took it at school and had a triple in all disciplines of mathematics). And studying it now tends to either sleep or depression.
But at the same time, I burn with happiness and good mood when I read a book or watch a lecture related in one way or another to programming, or solve something in Pascal in computer science, write code - which I consider rare at the moment.
The question is: is it worth it to make an effort and agonize over this mathematical foundation, or let the college take its course and plunge into programming (read literature on it, write code). How would you do it and why? Perhaps your recommendations? (I apologize in advance if the question is asked incorrectly, the first case of addressing here).

Answer 1

In particular, underachievement in mathematical disciplines.

It's you in vain! We only get one chance in this life. Mistakes are not corrected at all! We are only trying to reduce the sad consequences of their admission. My advice to you: If you want to become a programmer, DEVELOP MATHEMATICALLY! It puts your brain in the right direction. Even if some kind of difur nafig is not useful anywhere, nevertheless it will be useful to you! Because a person still does not know how his brain works. By studying Mathematics, you develop those parts of the brain that are very important for a techie.
Here is an example of a problem where the math is needed:
For a web application, write code that receives a permutation that will be used to show banners, each of which will be shown once. The code must be written without using dynamic data structures and arrays!
The solution to this problem can also be applied to computer viruses, when the next number in the permutation series is an index in the area that needs to be decrypted. In other words, the well-known PRIDE technology is pseudo random index decryption engine. With this technology, many antivirus engines cannot automatically recognize the decryption cycle and therefore cannot wind up the file's suspicion score.
Learn math. It is important!

Answer 2

As long as programming is reduced to folding one line to another, as in a Lego constructor, it will only cause enthusiasm and positive emotions. 100,500 people have spawned such pohap enthusiasts - it’s very easy to add up.
Over time, the absence of a mathematical apparatus will begin to feel like a load tied to the legs, not allowing you to grow higher.
Although, of course, you can spend your whole life on a mess, riveting sites on WordPress, without any mathematics.
And whether in matters of cryptography, whether image processing, whether network topology - run around with questions on the toaster and rely on the opinions of other people. And in the end, stop understanding what you are doing at all - with all the ensuing consequences.
In general, shitty coding on WordPress is possible without mathematics.

Answer 3

You need to study math!
Now I really miss university-level mathematics (school and I even remember a little more). While the brain is young - it needs to be loaded, trained, taught! And the math will help you a lot. Better than Mikhail Vasilyevich, and not to say.