<p>I've been hearing wierd things about the swimming program in Columbia. Supposedly, there's a swim test for incoming students. Is that true? I'm assuming this means Columbia requires all of its students to learn how to swim? I'm totally fine with this; I've been wanting to learn how to swim for a long while; I just wanted to see if there was any truth to the rumors.</p>
<p>They do require all their students to know how to swim...though it's only before they graduate, not before they enter. The lady at the info session tried to be funny by saying that, apparently, since Columbia is on an island (Manhattan), the students need to know how to swim in case they have to escape.</p>
<p>there is a swim test which all CC students have to pass before they graduate, however, this can also be fulfilled through a semester long swim class as one of two required physical education courses. Also, SEAS students do not have this swimming requirement but do have the same two semester physical education requirement.</p>
<p>You swim three lengths of a pool (75 yards) using any stroke you want with no time limit, but you have to do it non-stop. You can also enroll in a beginning swim class.</p>
<p>You don't need to know how to "swim" or use a "stroke"; you just have to make it across in some fashion.</p>
<p>Doggie paddle is acceptable.</p>
<p>The trick is to not try keep your head above water the entire time. It's okay to put your face in the water.</p>
<p>SEAS students don't need to pass the swimming requirement, because in the event that the british invade again, they can engineer a bridge to get across the water.</p>