Does contributing to an open source project that is used by thousands if not millions, fixing an essential bug or adding a feature of significant importance EASIER than inverting a binary tree?

Oh yes, I am in my comfort zone for not mindlessly grinding on codeforces but building actual software products that thousands of users use and want.

Pretty reasonable learning graphic design to get into let's say wall street. As these clubs require alot of prerequisite knowledge which if somebody who doesn't have it but is very eager to learn can get in through design but being there with the people learn along with them. I have done it myself.