This seems... really simple. Basic algorithms, data structures, and theory that I learned in second-year comp sci.
Knowledge on these subjects is easy to pick up, taking you a few days of study at the most. Knowing this stuff doesn't mean you can program for shit (see: academic coding horror). Best to build a portfolio as dpritchett said, with a few "lessons I learned from experience when working on this project" anecdotes ready to go.
That's just personal experience though, and I competed in the ICPC during my university career so I never worry about the problem solving questions.
Knowledge on these subjects is easy to pick up, taking you a few days of study at the most. Knowing this stuff doesn't mean you can program for shit (see: academic coding horror). Best to build a portfolio as dpritchett said, with a few "lessons I learned from experience when working on this project" anecdotes ready to go.
That's just personal experience though, and I competed in the ICPC during my university career so I never worry about the problem solving questions.