<p>I know this topic has already been discussed...but with the swim test at the end of the month I'm getting a little nervous. Are there actual strokes that the instructors make you do, or can you choose whichever you want when you do the laps?</p>
<p>Chill, chill, chill.</p>
<p>They simply ask you to do one lap with whichever stroke you prefer. If you can not satisfactorily complete this one lap, they will ask you to complete 3 more laps. They then may ask you to use specific strokes.</p>
<p>I don't think it is that big of a deal--if you know how to swim, or even doggie-paddle, I think son said they would pass you. If you are real worried and have access to a pool, try practicing a few times. Son did this last summer just to make sure he could swim the laps! Good Luck!!!</p>
<p>If you ever learned a stroke, ever, just do it on the first lap, all out, and they'll probably pass you after that. If you don't as long as you can basically not drown, you should be ok.</p>
<p>From what I understand, the purpose of the swim test is to ensure that students have the life skills not to drown. The origin of it has to do with the fact there are two lakes on the campus. Those who don't pass the test ought to be taking swim lessons, because they are at risk. If you don't panic at the thought of falling in water close to the edge of a pool or lake, you are probably okay. Even if you don't pass the swim test, it isn't a big deal. The worst-case scenario for "flunking" is you end up getting swim lessons that could save your life down the road.</p>
<p>Actually, the origin of it is the close relationship ND has with the Navy - - the Navy has had a consistently strong presence on the ND campus through ROTC and especially during WWII.</p>
<p>The swim tests pre date Navys arrival on campus in the 40's 1940's that is :)</p>
<p>DD is spot on concerning the rational behind the swim tests and wanting the students to be self sufficient and well rounded............</p>
<p>There's a legend bouncing around that says that there was this rich alumni who wanted to donate a ton of money, but unfortunately, his son/grandson/nephew drowned in one of the lakes, and as such, put a qualification on the grant, saying that the university could only access the money if every student was able to swim. </p>
<p>But like I said, it's just a legend, so take it how you'd like.</p>
<p>Hmm the Navy was present on campus before WWII which means that it was present on campus in the 1930's. =)</p>
<p>The swim test isn't really a big deal. I swam one lap (quite satisfactorily, I though anyway) and they still made swim a few more. Most people don't do more than one though. You'll be fine!</p>
<p>The swim test is go across the pool once. Not there and back, just across. In 5 foot water. It really isn't hard. The more important thing is looking good in your suit because 600 other freshmen will be watching you.</p>
<p>haha good point. i wouldn't worry though because chances are that if you have a beer belly, several other guys will also and everyone is so self-conscious that they aren't really noticing anyone else.</p>