<p>What's up with the swim test? It's a little odd that you are required to know/learn how to swim.</p>
<p>Swarthmore has apparently had a swim test since 1915.</p>
<p>Why</a> the swim test? :: The Daily Gazette</p>
<p>A few other schools have swim tests, but I don't have the list handy right now.</p>
<p>My high school has a swim test. No biggie.</p>
<p>It's no big deal. </p>
<p>
[quote]
Students must also pass a swim test or take the Aquatics class. The swim test will be administered sometime during Orientation. It calls for a demonstration of basic strokes and
the ability to stay afloat for a total of 15 minutes. Students who know that they cannot swim may skip the test and register for a beginning swimming course (Aquatics I) during registration.
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Splashing around and treading water for 15 minutes apparently counts. They aren't looking for olympic caliber technique. Just the ability to not drown. </p>
<p>Otherwise, you simply take swimming class as one of your PE courses.</p>
<p>They will accommodate you for special requirements (e.g. swim suits in public and religious restrictions).</p>
<p>Williams had a swim test when I was a freshman and still does. Others include Notre Dame, MIT, Cornell, Columbia, Hamilton, Dartmouth, and Washington & Lee.</p>
<p>I chose not to take the swim test because I didn't know how to swim and wanted to learn anyway, so I took the swimming class and it was ridiculously easy. And now I can swim, which is excellent. Also, PE classes are pass/fail and participation is the only thing that matters. So if you show up for every class and actually try, you'll pass.</p>
<p>I'm an awful swimmer and spent all 15 minutes just kind of paddling back and forth to do my two laps. The other freshmen around me really helped it be a not too stressful event. It's really a not-drowning test - so don't be too worried about it. You do it once (or don't, and take Aquatics once) and it's over with. I also think that it's a ridiculous requirement (probably because I hate swimming), but it is very manageable. :]</p>
<p>it still seems kind of weird, but it definitely sounds less serious than their website makes it out to be. thanks for the help!</p>