<p>Some people don’t even have to take calculus! Compare apples with apples; that is, Caltech’s offering of “Calculus” with another math department’s offering of “Calculus.” You’ll find approximately the same level of proofs required.</p>
<p>I offered the ma1a final to a few seniors when I was visiting my (public) high school over winter break my frosh year; they were able to reason out (correct) answers to all of the problems within 15 minutes. High schoolers being able to do the final after AP Calculus BC seems certainly within the realm of “standard” for me.</p>