<p>Okay, I know we all have to take a swim test. I have a few questions. What kind of suits do the girls wear? Do we just wear regular bikinis or are we supposed to get something like a one piece or something that covers more? Do we take the test together with guys or just girls? Are we supposed to dive in or do we start in the pool? I'm getting a little nervous about this!</p>
<p>You are allowed to wear any type of bathing suit you want - whatever you're comfortable in.</p>
<p>Yes, boys and girls take the test at the same time (your scheduled PE time - I think someone will tell you where to go during orientation, and if not, ask an upperclassman).</p>
<p>For the first part of the test, a group of you will just jump in and swim across once. Basically, the fastest two or three kids are told that they have passed, and everyone else has to go stand in line for the second part. Once it's your turn for this part, you get in the pool and do two laps. I don't think it matters what strokes you use - I think they just require that two lengths are done on your front and two on your back. An instructor will be watching you and the kids in the nearby lanes and will give you a card once you are done. Green means you pass, red means you have to take the swimming class. </p>
<p>I remember being pretty nervous even though I knew how to swim, but it's really not a big deal. I know a few people who ended up having to take the class and they said it wasn't that bad either. Just relax and you'll be fine. Good luck!</p>
<p>If you can effectively swim without drowning, you'll pass, so don't worry much about that.</p>
<p>what's the length of the pool?</p>
<p>what if I swim in the same stroke for 2 laps?</p>
<p>all im going to say is, i took 8 years of swim lessons when i was younger, and i have a pool at my home...needless to say i can hold my own</p>
<p>despite that, this test is not a walk in the park...i highly suggest goggles, i passed the first time, but afterwards i was dying, it really is not that easy</p>
<p>Try practicing if you have access to a pool. Son did not know what to expect either, two years ago, after having had swim lessons when he was younger and attending summer camp each summer when he was young with required swim lessons. A few weeks before the start of school, he would swim laps for a workout at our local pool and figured it would also be good practice. I think it must have helped as he passed the first time as well. I do remember him saying that the person in front of him as well as the person behind him did not pass and had to sign up for the lessons. I think it was a little unnerving at the time but he forged ahead and passed. You will be fine-Good Luck!</p>
<p>Do you have to beat a time or what? Basically, if I successfully do two laps of breast stroke and two laps of backstroke, I'll be fine?</p>
<p>It will probably be held in a 25 yard pool. I'm guess they would use the rec pool.</p>
<p>Thanks for all your help. I'm definitely feeling better about it now!</p>
<p>You have to swim to go to ND?</p>
<p>Rumor has it that some old rich alumni wanted to donate a whole mess of money to ND, but, as his nephew had drowned in one of the lakes, he stipulated that every student had to be able to swim. </p>
<p>The other theory I've heard was that it originated back when ND was housing a Navy training base back in the day, and it wanted all of its students to be able to hold their own against the Navy guys.</p>
<p>Either way, yes, you need to pass the swim test or, if you fail that, pass the swimming section of PE.</p>
<p>I'm afraid I have to take the swimming lessons, since I can only swim in breast stroke. </p>
<p>A question. Can I use the swimming lessons to meet PE requirements?</p>
<p>Yes. It's a section of PE.</p>
<p>Swimming lessons are actually two sections of PE (though you can opt to try to test out after the first section).</p>
<p>now i'm nervous :(</p>
<p>Dancingfeet--do not be nervous. The worst that can happen is that you will need to take the lessons. You will be fine; try to stay positive!</p>
<p>I personally think it's a wonderful requirement for young adults.</p>
<p>Even if you take the Swim class because you could not complete the test, you will pass as long as you can float, or as they call it "be safe in the water".</p>
<p>Aren't all of the PE classes pretty much designed that you will pass unless you just don't show up? I think I remember son saying something about this.</p>