The Short Version
This is a well-known myth with no credible evidence behind it. Einstein's actual school records show he earned top marks in mathematics, including perfect 6/6 scores in algebra, geometry, and physics on his 1896 Swiss Matura certificate. He mastered calculus before age 15. His only notable academic setback—failing the Zurich Polytechnic entrance exam—was due to weak performance in non-science subjects like French, not mathematics. The myth likely originated from a 1935 Ripley's column and confusion over the Swiss grading scale.