I had the same experience. I even made the mistake of being honest: In HS I didn't care about computers and had poor academic performance. It wasn't until 6 years later I even knew what computer science was, and didn't look up until 11 years and a PhD later when I was writing software for NASA or managing robotics teams at FAANG/ startups. I got an immediate reject for a robotics SWE position. I'm trying to temper ego even now, but I was qualified for an interview.