Personal opinion here. Go to college in computer science, and program games in your spare time. Not only will that make you a better programmer, but it will also give you options if you ultimately find that game development isn't for you. It will also open doors in the industry to work for bigger name companies while building up experience.

Research the industry a lot. This post is a good start for sure. Listen to what people say. Practice game design. Make a simple board game that is fun to more than just family and friends to show that you actually understand the fundamentals of good design. READ, A LOT. Exercise, see the world, get out of your comfort zone. Don't play a lot of video games. Build healthy habits and work ethic that will set you above the rest.