In all fairness, I was the one who introduced this notion into the conversation.
I just felt EML would benefit from some more reality checking into the levels required to become professional (that's mental AND technical level).
I've seen some video on YouTube of one of Gregg's private lessons and it seemed VERY inspirational to the student. I also know that Kenny Aronoff will take a day of classes in each town when he is on a clinic tour. I wonder if other clinicians do likewise?
None of this precludes finding a regular teacher ASAP, but I know I brushed shoulders with a couple of icons when I was a youngster and it benefitted my development greatly.
My point being, you have to show some motivation to find out which drum clinics are coming to your area, then get your name on the top of the list for a one to one lesson with the clinician. Some urgent motivation is what is lacking in this case it seems to me.
I was just proposing an add-on to the more basic suggestion to find a regular teacher quick-smart.

The force is strong with this one.

Really?  Like what?  I'm just curious, because in the couple of Steve Gadd clinics I've seen, he explained very carefully what he was doing and slowed down certain patterns so you could see what he was doing.  Granted, he's very soft spoken & laid back - but his technical explanations were pretty clear.

Hi EML - I remember being at your point with music and how I felt about it and how it was the only thing I could imagine doing with my life.  I made some mistakes and am tending bar in NYC deciding whether to start over again and approach it the right way, or to begin an entirely new direction in life.

I'll start with the most direct advice to help you develop your reading skills.

For reading - Alfred's Drum Method books are probably a good way to go.  When I began private lessons, a very skilled teacher used these with me and they will get you on the right track.
Also, transcribe songs on your own.  If you're playing in a band currently, even if you know all the parts, transcribe them anyway.  I know it may not make sense to transcribe songs you already know how to play, but one area you've mentioned several times in this thread is that you want to be able to read better.  If you learn to write, reading will become that much easier.

For music and theory - Take piano lessons.
For drumming - In Boston you should be able to find an acceptable instructor at around $30/hour to get you going on the basics.  Check out their resume and if your goal is to attend Berklee, find someone that has graduated from a well known music school.

I agree with many that the information is out there for you to find, but searching for it takes up time.  Become comfortable with paying someone else to show you these things and to have them teach you them.  When you check in with that person weekly, having the extra pressure of another person testing you on your assignments you will gain valuable experience having to learn something and perform it in front of people.

Understand that those that tell you that "you're good enough to do it and that you just have to go for it," are being supportive, but their advice is misguided.  They are telling you what you want to hear.  Seek advice from people that have achieved the things that you're looking to achieve.  And that doesn't mean you have to get lessons from Jack DeJohnette.  The guy making $25/hour teaching lessons is at a point in his/her career that is ahead of where you are at.  This person is in a position to pass on the knowledge he's gained and get paid for it.  Understand that in order to reach the top, you will need to set attainable and realistic goals.

Your goal should be to master your craft, and to master it you'll want to be able to play as many patterns musically as possible.  Keep a list of things you want to learn.  If someone mentions a music term that you haven't heard, write it down and when you can demonstrate and teach that word or concept to another person, you can cross it off your list.  Until you can pass something on to someone else, you probably haven't mastered that thing.

Also be flexible.  It's quite possible another avenue in music could appeal to you more than the life of being a studio drummer.

Good luck and keep your head up and surround yourself with people that are better than you.  I think that going to a music school is a great idea and it's a great opportunity to make tons of valuable contacts.