The few that do include Columbia and Cornell Universities and Berea, Bryn Mawr, Carleton, Dartmouth, and Hamilton Colleges. ![]() Nobody seems to know how many colleges still have swim tests. “I think we have to provide students with the capacity to survive,” he says. Samuelson, coordinator of aquatics at Williams College, defends his institution’s test whenever students challenge it. (Exceptions are made for those with physical problems and those who still can’t swim after taking lessons for two semesters.)Ĭurricular battles over what students must learn, an emphasis on “wellness” programs rather than rigid physical-education requirements, and concerns that swim tests might be unfair to urban or disabled students have all contributed to the ritual’s demise.Ĭarl R. But these days Colgate, whose requirement is more than 50 years old, is one of a diminishing number of colleges that won’t give a diploma to a student who can’t swim. Knowing how to swim was once a hallmark of a well-rounded man or woman, and collegiate swimming requirements used to be common. Those who don’t pass must take swimming lessons. They must swim eight lengths, using two strokes then tread water for five minutes then swim eight more lengths. Women in spandex suits and men in baggy trunks huddle around the L-shaped pool, waiting for the college’s swim test to begin. ![]() Hamilton, New York - A rare campus ritual is under way in Colgate University’s swimming pool.
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