History of Test

The origin of the swim test began around 1918 for women when the Director of Women's Physical Education felt that it was a necessary skill for women to have. The swim test requirement for men was instituted about 1937 and was the result of World War II Cornell's strong connection to ROTC; many Cornellians served in the war. After WWII, the faculty felt that the swim test (and the result that if you do not know how to swim, you need to take a class to learn how to swim) was an important life skill to have, and kept it in the requirements for graduation. And it is great exercise for your computer-bound generation. This specific requirement for graduation was reviewed again 4 years ago, and the faculty chose to keep it in the requirements for graduation.