Cornelliana The Swim Test: A (Wet) Rite of Passage for Undergrads Stories You May Like The Glories of a Big Red Sunset—Showcased on Instagram From Corks to Corey to the Cosmos: The Hill’s Most ‘Legendary’ Courses We Heart the Hill: A Celebration of Beloved Campus Spots As the Hill dives into another academic year, we unleash a tsunami of memories about a shared Big Red milestone By Joe Wilensky Among the happenings that herald the beginning of the fall semester is one that starts many Cornellian careers off with a (literal) splash: the swim test. Dating back more than a century, the University requirement has long been a rite of passage—embraced with confidence by some, with trepidation by others. We asked alumni to share their swim test memories—the good, the bad, and the simply wet—and got a delightful deluge, with more than 100 comments flowing into our email inbox and on social media. “I had always been a decent swimmer since I learned young, but by Orientation I had not been in the pool in a number of years,” recalls Kate Ofikuru ’05. “I prayed it would be like riding a bike and I could make it the three lengths. I doggy paddled the last length, I was so tired.” Those who fail the test—or opt out of it—must, in order to graduate, take a beginning swimming class. (Requests can be made for modifications or exemptions, and the requirement doesn’t apply to transfer students.) “I came out of the locker room and was told something to the effect of ‘just swim across and back,’” recalls Jon Heidelberger ’70, JD ’73. “So I jumped in, swam across the pool and—barely—made it back to where I had started. The same guy was waiting for me and, as I struggled to the edge, said, ‘No, dummy—the long way.’” Cornell is one of just a handful of universities nationwide that mandate basic swimming competency—though two of the eight Ivies do. (The other is Columbia; Dartmouth long had its own requirement, but dropped it in 2022.) In the swim during Move-In 2015. (Lindsay France / Cornell University) The Physical Education website stresses the importance of swimming as a core life skill, noting that drowning is the world’s third leading cause of death by unintentional injury. Learning to swim is transformational to many, the department notes; it can also break an intergenerational cycle where parents who can’t swim don’t encourage their children to pick up the skill. “I had spent most of my childhood trying to not learn to swim, despite my parents’ attempts—but I really wanted to go to Cornell,” recalls Laura Duran Gober ’98, who took the swim class her first semester. “It taught me that fears should never stand in the way of dreams. And I made sure my kids learned to swim before they were five!” After a pandemic hiatus, the test returned in August 2022. As the guidelines state, each first-year must “enter the deep end of the pool with a feet-first jump and make a continuous 75-yard swim using a stroke or strokes of the student’s choice.” There is no time limit, and (in a departure from past rules) specific strokes are not required. Tales abound from across the decades of undergrads who waited to satisfy the requirement until their last semester—and sometimes even its final weeks, as graduation (and the threat of a withheld diploma) loomed. Just ask Jay Wyatt ’02. Smooth strokes in 2013. (Cornell University) He had to skip his freshman test as he waited for a visit from tech support to help him hook up his computer. “I was a strong swimmer, so I figured I could knock it out any time during the ensuing four years,” Wyatt recalls. “Fast forward to May of my senior year, when I get a call that an audit had indicated I would not graduate unless I passed the swim test ASAP. Whoops!” Stories You May Like The Glories of a Big Red Sunset—Showcased on Instagram From Corks to Corey to the Cosmos: The Hill’s Most ‘Legendary’ Courses As one alum points out, the test even makes a key appearance in a novel by famed author Kurt Vonnegut ’44—specifically, Player Piano, published in 1952. Many a first-year friendship blossoms from the test line. (Lindsay France / Cornell University) “One character in the book reaches a very high role in the dystopian society [Vonnegut] describes,” says James Euchner ’78, “but then someone discovers that he never passed his swim test at Cornell—meaning that nothing he achieved after it was valid.” Cornell’s requirement dates back to Colonel Frank Barton 1891—namesake of Barton Hall—who instituted the test for men in 1905, stressing that the nation’s military academies had made the ability to swim a prerequisite for graduation. “Recent wars,” Barton noted, “have conclusively demonstrated that a soldier who cannot swim is so much dead timber in the command.” The test's establishment made Cornell the first non-military college in the country to require one. Until sometime in the 1970s, men typically took it in the buff, reportedly on the grounds that swimsuits could fray and clog pool filters. Before Helen Newman Hall opened, the relatively tiny pool in Sage Gymnasium—built in 1872 and measuring seven yards by four—hosted the women’s test, which began around 1920. According to a 1940 Daily Sun article, women had to swim around it four times, float for 30 seconds, then jump in and “come up smiling.” In 1975, the requirements were standardized for men and women at 75 yards (and swimsuits were de rigueur). “My Cornell swim test still ranks as one of the most anxiety-filled experiences of my life—right up there with taking the SATs and enduring childbirth,” admits Heather Reiter Furman ’03. Leaping in. (Lindsay France / Cornell University) “It’s the longest distance I have ever swum, and all these years later I’m still shocked that I passed!” T.J. Carrizales ’01, MPA ’03, by contrast, felt confident as he joined other first-years in Teagle Hall; he’d grown up near the water in South Texas and had always been comfortable swimming. But he didn’t pace himself—launching into the test as if it were a race—and found himself tiring after the first lap. He ignored the rescue pole extended to him by a swim monitor, and pressed on. The waiting: the hardest part? (Cornell University) “As I swam my final lap, I knew everyone was watching—and the nervous energy gave me the needed strength to finish,” Carrizales recalls. “As I touched the wall, I heard the entire swim complex erupt in cheers; everyone was high-fiving me and congratulating me. I knew then that Cornell was going to be a competitive place, but also quite supportive.” Top: Taking the test in the Teagle Hall pool in 2005. (Cornell University) Published August 23, 2023 Comments Elizabeth (Hoare) Cowles, Class of 1982 24 Aug, 2023 I had my WSI and taught swimming to fellow students who needed to pass the test. One, an athlete, overcame his fear of water and did a great job! Reply Kim Fisher, Class of 2006 25 Aug, 2023 Is treading water still part of the test? I thought I remembered having to tread water after the 3 laps, maybe for 2 minutes? Reply Mary O'Donnell, Class of 1978 25 Aug, 2023 I taught swimming to students when I was a undergrad. Some had no swimming experience and were terrified. It was tremendously rewarding and one of my favorite Cornell memories. Reply Randolph (Randy) Little, Class of 1962 27 Aug, 2023 I don’t remember formally taking the swimming test (is that a senior moment?), but do remember lifeguarding in the new Teagle pool for those tests. More than one who thought they could do it had to be helped to the surface after they jumped into the deep end and found themselves in over their heads. Reply Martha ittle Munson, Class of 1970 5 Sep, 2023 Given your last name, you may have been passed automatically. I think I was! Our father wasCornell’s first swimming coach. Reply Joy Willig, Class of 1977 29 Aug, 2023 Having access to a swimming pool all year round was a treat for a kid from New York City. Helen Newman became my refuge, not with standing the baggy red ill fitting gym issue required swimsuits. The test was my first successful exam at Cornell. Those years instilled a lifelong habit of swimming almost daily. Reply Georgianne Hunt Austin, Class of 1975 29 Aug, 2023 When I took the test in 1972 we were required to jump in, tread water for 3 minutes and then swim across and back using 2 different strokes. I had taken the swim course which was very helpful then and in many later water adventures. Reply Pati (Davis) Pineda, Class of 1983 29 Aug, 2023 What I remember most is the treading water. I was thankful my parents had me swimming from the time I was 4 years old. I had no problem with the test but those around me were reaching for the wall. Reply kerm bossard, Class of 1963 29 Aug, 2023 I missed the first week of classes-and therefore the swim test, so signed up for taking swimming–not being a swimmer. In reporting for swimming, I had to ask directions and was sent into the pool area. The instructor was taking attendance and muttered something like my name and then asked all of us to go to the shallow end, dive in, and swim the length of the pool without using our hands. I thought that they must have learned a lot in a week, but did as asked. Sank about 2/3 of the way. Sank again before being hauled out. Then very harshly told to go through a second door to the beginners pool! Almost drowned my first week!! Reply Mordecai (Mordy) Blaustein, Class of 1957 29 Aug, 2023 As I was standing at the edge of the pool, ready to jump in for my swimming test, I recall fabled crew coach, “Stork” Sanford, standing nearby, pull my fellow fraternity pledge aside. Jerry Sachs had just completed his swim and Sanford, who was looking for big, muscular men, pulled Jerry aside and exhorted him to come out for crew (which Jerry did). The legendary ’57 seniors went on to win the nationals and the Henley Cup – although Jerry didn’t make it to the varsity. Reply Kathy Riggs Van Wie, Class of 1968 29 Aug, 2023 I was a freshman in 1964 and was amazed that so many incoming students did not know how to swim. Helen Newman was a relatively new building and very convenient to my room in Mary Donlon Hall. I was paid $5/hour (which was a lot of money in ’64) to help girls learn to put their faces in the water, blow bubbles, and generally get comfortable in the water. I am glad it is a requirement because, as a safety issue, it is important to be able to swim. I clocked many laps in the Newman pool for my own personal exercise. Fond memories! Reply Melissa Yorks, Class of 1975 29 Aug, 2023 As a transfer student managed to avoid the test! I think I could have passed it though. A couple of years after college I took scuba diving at my old high school and each class after the lecture part started with us swimming the length of the pool and back. Olympic sized pool. I wanted to take scuba diving at Cornell but those freshmen and sophomores always got the slots. Reply Dianne Dyson Coles, Class of 1969 29 Aug, 2023 This topic is so funny to see! One of the horrors was having to past the swim test by someone terrified of water. Peggy Lawler, my dance instructor and swim class teacher, was incredibly patient and encouraging. I passed because she pushed me to take my test before thanksgiving break because she feared I’d regress too much over the holidays and I passed! It was grace! Reply Jeri Frank, Class of 1976 29 Aug, 2023 I had never jumped in before the test, and I haven’t ever jumped again in the next 51 years since that fall of 1972. I could swim, so I didn’t want to take the swim class, so I just had to make myself do it! It is still traumatizing when I think of it! I do think it’s a good idea to require that students know how to swim, and I hope Cornell continues to stress out their students this way! Reply Lucinda Briggs, Class of 1970 12 Sep, 2023 Hi Jeri, Didn’t know the jump was a problem. Your Zoom & Phone Buddy, Cindy I improved my swimming skills at Girl Scout Camp Comstock so I remember no challenge from my Cornell test, except stamina for the distance. My 14 month old granddaughter is loving her Swim Starters class at the Y. All in favor of keeping the Cornell test. In Risley, the girl in the room next to me was petrified of nit earning her degree due to fear of the pool. Reply Steve Benenati, Class of 1975 29 Aug, 2023 It was January 1973, I was a transfer student registering for classes. Transfers were then required to take the swim test before selecting a PE course. I thought I could get out of the test by telling them I did not have my swimsuit. They told me that it didn’t matter, take off my clothes and jump in! That was the first time I had ever skinny dipped with lights! Reply Lucinda Briggs, Class of 1970 12 Sep, 2023 HaHa! Reply Pat Reilly, Class of 1978 29 Aug, 2023 I’m one of those who didn’t take the test until Senior Week! I had put it off and finally took the swim class the first half of my Senior spring, but missed the last day when they were going to test us because I was on my way to a rugby tournament in Florida. I procrastinated again and finally went in for the test days before graduation, and was threatened with not graduating by the person who gave the test. Great motivation! Reply Leslie Greenwood, Class of 2004 29 Aug, 2023 Coming from Texas, I couldn’t yet understand the thick accent of the New Yorker administering the test. He must have said go at some point. Everyone else jumped in, and I was left standing there alone in my swimsuit while everyone else was off to the races! I hurriedly jumped in and caught up, completing the test with no problem. It was a reminder that, though I was far away from home and out of my comfort zone, I was able to hold my own at Cornell. Reply Leslie Nigel Colborn, Class of 1968 30 Aug, 2023 What surprised was having to do it naked. Otherwise, being a keen swimmer it was easy. One thing did bother me though: some of my fellow freshmen were giving me curious looks. I soon realised that it was because, unlike most male Americans, I had not had a certain small operation as a boy baby. Reply Susan Walsh, Class of 1982 31 Aug, 2023 I took the swim test and was right away asked to try out for Women’s swim team which I was going to do anyway but didn’t have info yet – so swim test made that easy. I came from an AAU swim team at home so yes I had an advantage. I did take the WSI class at Helen Newman Hall to help my lifeguard resume. It was a blessing as we were practicing lifeguard saves in the water and I had to use one of them at one of the gorges that year. No lifeguards at the gorges–that means please if you don’t swim, do not go in the water or assume shallow. One guy thought water was shallow because I was floating around in 20 feet and made it look easy. He panicked and was about to grab my head and thankfully I had just learned the escape in WSI class. Saved my life and his. Thankfully, my friends were also nearby to help me get him out as rocks were wet and slippery. So I agree that swim test is still relevant at Cornell given proximity of gorges, etc. and important to at least try to learn how to swim if you have never taken lessons before. If you are a good swimmer, learn lifeguard skills too so you know the right way to save someone without risking your life. I am thankful for that WSI class. And I would never go in water alone without someone nearby, despite being a good swimmer. Reply Bill Ridlon 1 Sep, 2023 I do not recall taking or being told to take a swim test. I grew up from kindergarten, and maybe before, swimming in lakes, streams and rivers, and I earned my Red Cross Senior Life Saving Certificate at Cornell. I didn’t know that I needed that to graduate. After all these years, learning of this requirement I wonder if there was something else I missed and will learn that I still haven’t really graduated. Reply Ken Kupchak 4 Sep, 2023 Three lasting memories: 1. I lived in mortal fear of forgetting the combination of my Teagle basket and inability to reclothe afterwards; 2. couldn’t swim and thus managed to take the lane next to the wall which allowed me to grab the wall with the arm on that side each stroke and pull myself along — no one , thankfully, noticed (perhaps they intentionally looked the other way?)– never did learn to swim until I served a tour in Vietnam circa 1967-68, when I forced myself to learn; and 3. I couldn’t find out where they stored the swimming suits….(the only place I ever swam without one, until Law school, where everyone swam in the buff above the dam at 6 Mile Creek, even our then first born, who we floated around- there after at every reunion through my 50th, we’d skinny dip in 6 mile creek– great tradition. Reply Victor Todisco, Class of 1980 5 Sep, 2023 In 1976, almost all the men were still doing it naked. I wasn’t thrilled about that, a freshman away from home for the first time with no friends from home, but felt like you would stand out more if you put on a suit. I barely passed it, I would have been better off taking the swim class. I’m still a pretty weak swimmer. Reply Dexter Wang, Class of 1967 12 Sep, 2023 I didn’t know about the swim test until I arrived as a freshman in 1965. My high school had a similar, but slightly harder test, also in the buff. When I took it I was surprised that many other students had never been exposed to swimming. I think basic swimming skills are a good thing. Reply Leave a Comment Cancel replyOnce your comment is approved, your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Class Year Email * Save my name, email, and class year in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ Other stories You may like Quizzes & Puzzles Cornellian Crossword: ‘Study Spots’ Cornelliana Cornell’s First Female Doctoral Grad Alumni ‘Expect the Unexpected,’ Fauci Tells Weill Cornell Medicine Students