<p>IS THIS TRUE THAT ALL UNDERGRADS MUST pass a swim test? wut if she or he cannot swim at all???????</p>
<p>If you fail the test then you'll have to take the introductory swimming class. If you don't pass the test after your first semester of swimming class, you have to take the class for a second semester. I think two semesters of class counts as meeting the requirement, but you might want to check with Cornell to be sure.</p>
<p>Yes it's true.
[quote]
SWIM TEST REQUIREMENT
All Cornell undergraduates are normally required to pass a swim test. There are some exceptions for transfer students. Regular Swim Tests will be offered on Friday, 8/19/05, from 1:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday, 8/22/05 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Students should bring a bathing suit and their student I.D. card. Men's tests will be given in Teagle Hall. Women's tests will be given in Helen Newman Hall. Make up Swim Tests will be offered on the following days and times: Fridays, 11/4, 11/11, 11/18 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Teagle pool. There will be a $30.00 charge for tests administered on these dates. If you need more information please contact Fred DeBruyn at 255-2629.
[/quote]
Link to page:<a href="http://bigred2.athletics.cornell.edu/physed/%5B/url%5D">http://bigred2.athletics.cornell.edu/physed/</a></p>
<p>Who takes the Test?
[quote]
Who takes the test?</p>
<p>All freshman arriving at Cornell are required to take the swim test. There are almost never any exemptions. Transfers may or may not have to take the swim test depending on how many semesters they have been granted academic credit for. For more information about the swim test if you are a transfer, see this page. Generally, incoming transfers who are given sophomore or higher standing do not have to take the swim test.
[/quote]
What if you can't Swim or Fail the Test?</p>
<p>
[quote]
What does the swim test entail?</p>
<p>The test consists of a continuous 75 yard swim which is 3 lengths of the pool. The first length is swum on your front, the second on your back, and the last is left to your choosing. On your front means any stroke where you are chest down (freestyle, butterfly, etc) and back means exactly the opposite. You can take as long as you want, there is no time limit.</p>
<p>But ... I know I can't swim. Do I need to sign up?</p>
<p>No, but you will need to sign up for Beginning Swim at PE registration during Orientation.</p>
<p>What if I can't/don't/fail the test?</p>
<p>If you fail to complete the swim test, you will need to take Beginning Swim as a PE course to bring your skills up to the level of proficiency. If you just miss the test, you will be penalized and forced to pay a charge when you take make up. (This charge does not apply to students taking Beginning Swim)
[/quote]
This link is to the Class of 2008 web page (the 2009 seems only open to members of the class) <a href="http://classof2008.cornell.edu/cms/content.php?id=93%5B/url%5D">http://classof2008.cornell.edu/cms/content.php?id=93</a></p>
<p>If you don't want to even take the test, you don't have to at all.</p>
<p>But then you fail and take Beginner Swimming rather than choosing another PE class.</p>
<p>is the test demanding? could someone who knows how to swim but is not necessarily a fast swimmer still passs it? Is it common for people to fail it?</p>
<p>yes it's very very easy.</p>
<p>at your own pace...as long as you don't stop to rest at the wall for more than a second or two...1 length on your front, one on your back, and a third any way you choose.</p>
<p>in other words, know your front crawl or breast stroke, and your back stroke, tolerably well...enough to swim a lap of each.</p>
<p>damn this thing ruins me .. gonna learn swimming quick if accepted...damn...</p>
<p>whats the whole point of this test</p>
<p>can we take some other PE course our freshman year and then come back our sophomore year or something and then pass that stupid test...?</p>
<p>I don't think you need to get the swimming requirement out of the way during your freshman year. There were some seniors in my swimming class who waited until the last minute to do it.</p>
<p>The swimming requirement began as a drownproofing program in the early 1900s and eventually evolved to what it is today. I guess it is more or less about teaching a good life skill and getting rid of some peoples' fear of water. Personally, I would have rather spent my time learning something else.</p>
<p>It's probably saved a few peoples lives.</p>
<p>i believe it was actually instituted in the WWII era because soldiers need to know how to swim. I could be wrong. But is remains as a drownproofer...swimming is an exceptionally invaluable skill.</p>
<p>This lively discussion comes up around every 6 months!<br>
Cut and pasted from an old CC post (which was cut and pasted from Uncle Ezra)</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>The snopes link didn't work, but it's so interesting that I decided to share it. It's not about Cornell, although the legend is sometimes associated with Cornell. Columbia and Harvard require swim tests as well.<br>
<a href="http://www.snopes.com/college/admin/swimtest.asp%5B/url%5D">http://www.snopes.com/college/admin/swimtest.asp</a></p>
<p>Unless you have a physical disability, yes, you have to take a swim test. Honestly, as long as you can doggie-paddle your way across the pool, you really don't have much to worry about.</p>
<p>Swimming is a really important skill to have. I fully agree with them keeping this requirement on the books.</p>
<p>HAHA YES I WAS RIGHT....take that fools... :p</p>