<p>When do we have to take the swim test? I heard somewhere that it might be during freshman orientation or something, but i don't know when that is either.</p>
<p>Thing is, I don't know how to swim. But, if i went to some pool a couple times over the summer, I'm pretty sure I can learn how to do it before the test. I don't want to waste a full six week class on it if i don't have to.</p>
<p>Is the swim test required? I've never heard of it. Luckily I can swim though.</p>
<p>Yes it is a graduation requirement. All you have to be able to do is 1 lap on your front, 1 lap on your back, and 1 lap however you choose. You don't need to be an expert swimmer but you do need to be able to do this without having your feet touch the bottom (which you wouldn't want to happen anyway since this is a deep pool).</p>
<p>It is required. You must pass it to graduate. It's during freshman orientation (about a week before classes start). You swim three lengths of the pool, one on your front, one on your back, and you choose the last way. If you don't pass, they make you take the class. They're not picky about your stroke. You just have to be able to get across.</p>
<p>Doggy-paddle it is!</p>
<p>Transfers take it too…I think! The story behind the swim test is pretty interesting…I also just found this out:
“Dr. Mortimer J. Adler, who earned a PhD from Columbia University, wrote more than 30 books, taught at Columbia University, and was chairman of the board of editors of the Encyclopedia Britannica, was denied his bachelor's degree by Columbia in 1923 — despite his completing their four-year curriculum in three years and finishing at the top of his class — because he failed to pass the swimming test required for graduation. He was finally granted his degree sixty years later after informing Columbia that he had since learned how to swim and asking them to waive his disqualification.” Lol…</p>
<p>That is really funny! I'm glad I can swim.</p>
<p>You take it in the first week, August 17th to the 23rd, somewhere in that range depending on the year. One word of advice is to start swimming in the summer when you get accepted and decide to enroll there. I knew how to swim before taking the test, but I hadn't swam in a long time so I failed the test by about half a lap because I was so dead tired. And trust me, you don't want to be the one guy taking the test that fails it. Definitely condition yourself over the summer and get your technique down. I had to take beginner's swim which wasn't as bad as I thought, but definitely not something I wanted to do twice a week. I realized that I failed the test because my technique was so inefficient and I wasted tons of energy.</p>
<p>does anyone know why they actually have the test? a few of my other schools also have a swim test. im not a bad swimmer at all (i used to swim on my hs team) but i think it would be interesting to know why.</p>
<p>well im applying to engineering school next year and i once heard a joke from a columbia adcom that pretty much said that everyone that goes to cc hads to take the test, engineering students will just build a bridge...=)</p>
<p>Lol. tun, what happened after you got tired, where you stuck in the middle of the pool?</p>
<p>This is from an alumni handbook:
[quote]
The swim test began during World War II. Because so many students were going off to fight, it was deemed a necessary skill to have. After the war ended, the swim test remained as a graduation requirement. Several years ago it came up for renewal and was reaffirmed by the faculty
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Here is the criteria for the test:
[quote]
Jump in feet first, swim 3 lengths, one using the overhand stroke, one the backstroke, and one using a stroke of the swimmers choice, including the doggie paddle. No points are added or subtracted for style
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Also, don't stress over it. As a Freshman, you are required to take one PE course each semester. If you cannot pass the swim test, you merely take swimming as one of your PE requirements... no big deal. Many schools have swim tests. Don't believe the wealthy benefactor story! Here's a link to an urban legends website: <a href="http://www.snopes.com/college/admin/swimtest.asp%5B/url%5D">http://www.snopes.com/college/admin/swimtest.asp</a></p>
<p><a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=17026%5B/url%5D">http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/showthread.php?t=17026</a>
Cut and pasted from CC archive... this might answer your questions @ swim test</p>
<p>By Ghhizzmo (Ghhizzmo) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 10:25 pm: Edit</p>
<p>Previously posted in the January 2004 archive- this will answer all of your swim test questions!
From the "Ask Uncle Ezra" column on Cornell's website: </p>
<p>DUE,
When I was a Freshman I was told the reason Cornell requires a swim test is because the child of a former president/admistrator/dean/etc.'s drowned a long long time ago.Is there any truth to this story? Thanks, Simon </p>
<p>Dear Simon, </p>
<p>You've stumbled upon one of the campus' biggest wives tales! The rumor has even made it on to Snopes.com (<a href="http://www.snopes.com/college/admin/swimtest.htm)%5B/url%5D">http://www.snopes.com/college/admin/swimtest.htm)</a>, an internet rumor debunker, but they reference a different college. The "T"ruth from the source is that the swim test is not the result of a mandate from a generous benefactor or influential administrator, nor is it an opportunity to drum up business for the Physical Education department.The real reason that CU has a swim test is far more practical.If you search the Ezra Archives you will learn that it began during World War II, because so many students were going off to fight, and it was deemed a necessary skill to have. After the war ended, the swim test remained. It is a graduation requirement as voted on by the University Faculty. Several years ago it came up for renewal and was reaffirmed by the faculty. Cornell is one of a handful of schools that still require a swim test, but like the swimming anxiety some students face, its origin tends to loom larger than the actual experience. I hope you successfully passed your swim test, or are enjoying learning this life long skill. </p>
<p>Uncle Ezra </p>
<p>Dear Uncle Ezra,
What does the swim test given to all freshmen actually test. I was accepted early decision and never learned how to swim. I really do not want to be forced to take a swim class, so I plan on learning this summer. If you could tell me what they test, I could prepare myself. Thanks. </p>
<p>Dear Swimming in Summer,
Congratulations on your acceptance to Cornell! The swim test is indeed a requirement, albeit controversial one, for graduation as approved by the University Faculty. Those students who are able to swim are asked to take the test during Orientation on one of their first few days at Cornell. Those who do not know how to swim are encouraged to sign up for the Learn-to-Swim Physical Education (P.E.) class for a semester or two. Taking the learn-to-swim class also helps to fulfill your P.E. credits that are also a requirement for graduation. And it's good exercise.It can be fun, especially if you plan a spring break at the beach sometime! </p>
<p>The requirements for the swim test are:
-Jump in at the deep end of the pool (feet first is fine, no need to do a fancy dive)
-Swim one length (25 yards) on your stomach
-Swim one length (25 yards) on your back
-Swim one length (25 yards) any style </p>
<p>No one will judge you for style points. You can doggie paddle or kick your way down the pool if you like, and you can repeat a stroke during your third length. The swim test can be an annoyance for some, a dread for others, and for a few a great triumph! Many students who complete the learn-to-swim class are the first person in their family to learn how to swim!
Enjoy getting a jump-start on learning this life skill this summer. I look forward to seeing you on the hill and in the pool! </p>
<p>Uncle Ezra</p>
<p>By Itziar (Itziar) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 10:29 pm: Edit</p>
<p>This comes from the Widener family. Mrs. Widener's son (sorry, I can't recall their first names) drowned when the Titanic sank and he didn't know how to swim. The Widener family donated a lot of money to Harvard on the condition that all students must pass a swim test (there were also other conditions unrelated to swimming, such as not altering the Widener library building in any way...anyhow, that's another story!). I believe the swim test is required at all Ivys; it's definitely at Harvard, Columbia, and Cornell. </p>
<p>Hope this provides some clarification! I hear that most people put it off 'til senior year, anyhow. </p>
<p>By Itziar (Itziar) on Tuesday, March 23, 2004 - 10:32 pm: Edit</p>
<p>^ Ha, Ghhizzmo, you posted right before me. The Widener story definitely holds true for Harvard...either it just caught on at the other schools, too, or it was instituted during WWII, like you said.</p>
<p>By Noodleman (Noodleman) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 08:18 am: Edit</p>
<p>The origin of the swim test began around 1918 for women when the Director of Women's Physical Education felt that it was a necessary skill for women to have. The swim test requirement for men was instituted about 1937 and was the result of World War II Cornell's strong connection to ROTC; many Cornellians served in the war. After WWII, the faculty felt that the swim test (and the result that if you do not know how to swim, you need to take a class to learn how to swim) was an important life skill to have, and kept it in the requirements for graduation. And it is great exercise for your computer-bound generation. This specific requirement for graduation was reviewed again 2 years ago, and the faculty chose to keep it in the requirements for graduation. </p>
<p>Indeed, some transfer students are required to take the swim test, others are not. This is based on transfer credits/classes taken. Those transfer students who still need to fulfill physical education requirements at Cornell are required to take the swim test. </p>
<p>The subject of swim tests, where the test originated, why not everyone takes the test, etc. are long standing and popular questions among Cornellians. If you search for "Swim Test" in the Uncle Ezra archives, you will find additional information.</p>
<p>By Mjl86 (Mjl86) on Wednesday, March 24, 2004 - 08:41 am: Edit</p>
<p>you guys must be kidding; now it makes the ivies look so unappealing. what about brown? Do they administer a swim test?</p>
<p>but do you have to swim accurately/beautifully though? i can slack my way across.... no problem</p>
<p>As long as while you're doing each stroke your feet don't touch the bottom of the pool, and you don't drown... you pass. No style points necessary.</p>
<p>I can't swim and I've always been terrified of it</p>
<p>..not looking forward to that. =/</p>
<p>
I just swam to the side and went along the edge to the end of the pool. I could barely even do that. Definitely condition yourself for 3 full pool lengths because even my friends who are more fit than me were dying of exhaustion for the rest of the day.</p>
<p>Most people I asked were in good physical shape and they all said they were really tired after their test for a few hours. Mostly upper body soreness. w/e, take what you want of it.</p>
<p>america..... :P</p>
<p>so i can jerk my way across? as long as my feet isnt touching the bottom? sweet</p>