<p>i'm deciding whether to take the swim test or not. if so, i would have to learn the backstroke over the summer. Has anyone taken the class and how much fun is it? and does the grade go into your overall gpa?</p>
<p>You don't get a grade in PE classes. They're all Pass/Fail and have no influence on your GPA.</p>
<p>Oh, and to harvardman, you have to take the swim test- it's mandatory for graduation. You'll probably just do it over orientation, though, and then you'll forget about it. You don't have to learn any strokes, you just have to get across the pool 3 times without drowning and without walking in the shallow end. If you can't do that, then you'll have to take beginner swim and then take the test in spring semester. But seriously, you could just doggie paddle if you wanted. Don't worry about it! :)</p>
<p>what about using scuba gear during the swim test (jk) :p</p>
<p>oh, on the 2010 site, it said you have to do front then back then front or something like that. i dont know backstroke, thats why i asked</p>
<p>Oh, really? As far as I remember, it was just to get across the pool three times. It may be one time on your stomach, one time on your back, and one time anyway you want. In that case, then you will have to learn a backstroke (elementary or regular), but neither are very difficult and I'm sure you'll be fine.</p>
<p>If you're not sure what you want you want to do for your gym class, take bowling! It's so much fun to sign up with your friends, get a lane together, and just bowl for an hour and a half each week. The instructor really knows what he is talking about, and it's a completely laid-back atmosphere. Plus it's on North campus so you can roll out of bed and go. :)</p>
<p>The first stroke is on your front, the second on your back, the last anything you want.</p>
<p>Honestly, if you can stay afloat in the water and aren't scared to death of a pool, you can pass no problem.</p>
<p>for the second lap on your back - can you just float/drift your way across the lap (with occasional backstrokes?)? :P</p>
<p>and uh. i heard you have to jump in the pool at the beginning to start your first lap? how deep is it?</p>
<p>Don't worry about the swim test...some of the people definitely could not swim but passed by barely floating.</p>
<p>Crap...I too have to learn the backstroke. The only stroke I can kinda do is freestyle.</p>
<p>I just had my father give me a crash course in backstroke yesterday!! -- i definetly have to wear ear plugs tho or water will get in my ears (i've had major ear surgery twice..not fun lol)</p>