<p>Though pattern recognition, memorization, and algebraic manipulation are important in calculus, I think the key to calculus is to be able to think visually. Geometry is pretty visual as well, so if they don’t like that part of it calc may be tough. </p>
<p>The person who excels at the conceptual thinking involved in calculus would be able to visualize and think through the following problem: If you’re filling a curved wine glass at a constant rate, what function describes the height of the wine in the wine glass as it rises.</p>