What if I can't swim?

<p>Will I have to take a swimming as PE? And I don't want to learn to swim this summer, since I do have much more to deal with already.</p>

<p>Well...you can try to take the swim test during orientation and if you don't pass you can take swimming as a PE course and you will take the swim test as a final requirement of the course. I used to lifeguard for one of the swim instructors and he's good...I saw people who couldn't swim to save their life turn to people who were able to pass the test with no issue. </p>

<p>Plenty of people try to avoid the test...I know someone who took it 4 days before graduation!</p>

<p>Thank you so much. You were helpful as always. I might like swimming, and it is a life-time and must-have skill for anyone. </p>

<p>As you said, we will have to take the test during orientation. But can we non-swimmers just tell the instructor that we cannot swim and will take it as PE? Or do we have to get ashamed in front of all? </p>

<p>Is the test open? Like all gather and swim one by one while others seeing? I am sort of a shy guy. LOL</p>

<p>The guys and girls are separated (girls at Newman and guys at Teagle)...but there will be people in the pool area. I didn't have to take the swim test so I don't know if they do it one at a time or not.</p>

<p>You don't have to take the test during orientation...I don't think you even have to show up. Just register for the swim course during PE registration and take the test at the end.</p>

<p>Oh, that is great. And I am soon to be a senior member of CC. Happy! :)</p>

<p>I hope the water is at a good temperature. Freezing water is a serious deterrent.</p>

<p>Are goggles allowed?</p>

<p>yep...you can use goggles.</p>

<p>Maybe it's just me...but I've always found the Teagle pool to be a bit chilly</p>

<p>The website says that we HAVE to sign up for swim-test registration times online if we can swim. </p>

<p>If I can't/don't want to take the test during orientation, and if I don't sign up, will I have to sign up for the swimming pe class, even if i can swim?</p>

<p>hhhmmm...I had some friends who didn't take the test during orientation and didn't need to sign up for the swim class.</p>

<p>Cornell designates a weekend in October or November for students not enrolled in a class to take the test...it costs $30.</p>

<p>you didn't have to take the swim test dewdrop? were you a transfer?</p>

<p>
[quote]
you didn't have to take the swim test dewdrop? were you a transfer?

[/quote]
</p>

<p>Yes...my transfer status exempted me</p>

<p>dont show up for the swim test during orientation, but sign up for the beginning swim class for PE...if you want to delay it, you can always take swim during makeup tests around october
you'd be surprised how many beginning swim classes there are</p>

<p>I actually had the same question.</p>

<p>Although I can swim, I'm not a particularly strong swimmer. And I can't do the backstroke or swim on my back. So I'm nervous about the swim test, but I feel a little embarrassed if I have to take beginning swimming. This thread was kinda comforting because at least I'll know I'm not the only person in this position.</p>

<p>this is what i did to prepare:</p>

<p>im not an olympic swimmer...i can swim enough to get by, but i was definitely not ready to swim 3 laps. so i spent 1 afternoon with my dad and he made me swim like 20 laps or so, alternating between freestyle and backstroke. that was it. all you really need to do is one lap on your belly, one lap on your back, and a lap of your choice. you can even do doggy paddle...there is no time restriction (you just cant hold onto the sides or the rope). ask a friend to help you, go to your local pool and just do some laps. </p>

<p>keep in mind that guys are in teagle and girls are in newman, so you wont be together</p>

<p>yeah, also, according to Cornell website, if you don't show up intentionally you will have to pay a make-up $ or sth.</p>

<p>i'm still avoiding it :X</p>

<p>haha so i will do the same</p>

<p>I'm guessing that the distance you will need to swim is around 75 yards (3 laps). It's not difficult, even if you have little experience swimming. Summer classes should still be available, or just have a friend teach you at a local swimming pool. If you have problems with getting tired, choose your first lap as freestyle, then use the second lap as backstroke to recuperate, and do something easy like breaststroke as the final one. A question I have is how they wish for you to change strokes. Do they want a one/two hand touch on wall, flip turn, or anything else?</p>

<p>You just need to touch the wall. No flip turn necessary....that would be asking a lot.</p>

<p>This thread might be helpful - it's under "Hot Topics; Featured Discussions" at the top of the Cornell page on CC. It can clear up any misinformation.
<a href="http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/cornell-university/311579-swimming-test.html#post3741276%5B/url%5D"&gt;http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/cornell-university/311579-swimming-test.html#post3741276&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p>