I think that there is a very high variance in math education (and people) in public K-12 schools. My high school math consisted of advanced algebra, proof-bas

I think that there is a very high variance in math education (and people) in public K-12 schools. My high school math consisted of advanced algebra, proof-based geometry, trig and a smattering of calculus. This seems to be typical for college-bound student across the country. I went to a second-tier technical university (CalPoly, San Luis Obispo) and I was well prepared for the typical first year physics and math classes. From what I can tell, the first-tier schools you cite have substantially similar first year math and science curriculum. That said, I know people who went to the same school middle and high schools I went to, but who were never able to get past the introductory algebra class I took in 8'th grade. Sure, some people probably got better or worse teachers, but I believe some peoples brains are just better at math than others. Then why does the US look so bad at math? I don't know. I suspect that both of these statements are true: 1. Many countries have better alternate education paths for people who aren't that interested in college. People on these alternate paths are excluded from foreign statistics, while people who ought to be on them dilute US statistics. 2. Doing poorly in school is more acceptable to Amercan parents than it is to parents in many other developed countries. (Ironically, this may be because a lack of alternate education paths led parents to becmoe disillusioned with the value of school)