FWIW, I don't think this is specific to CS. I've noticed similar patterns interviewing Master's degree candidates in other math/science disciplines. It begs the

FWIW, I don't think this is specific to CS. I've noticed similar patterns interviewing Master's degree candidates in other math/science disciplines. It begs the question what are these schools teaching kids? It could be that what you (or me) consider foundational is actually not... Which in turn means that interviewing tactics may need to change to evaluate candidates on their ability to learn or execute - as opposed to what they actually know.