The Wabash class of 2028 is surely different from the current classes of Wabash students, but one aspect it has that is truly unique rests within the Global Health Initiative. This fall, the Global Health Initiative is welcoming seven new freshmen through a direct-admit program. This is the first group of Wabash men who were directly admitted into Wabash after being selected for the Global Health Initiative (GHI).
Previously, to join the GHI, it was necessary to apply through the program director Eric Wetzel or the program coordinator Jill Rogers after getting into Wabash.
However, now students are able to apply before getting into the college, and in fact reserve a spot for themselves in the upcoming class after doing so. However, the direct-admit program does not do away with allowing current students to join after getting into Wabash, it just allows rising freshmen to also be allowed to join.
The direct-admit program is attractive to prospective Wabash men, particularly with the several opportunities that are provided to GHI fellows, such as guaranteed internships.
“I saw the opportunities that were present, and I also met with Dr. Wetzel, and he was very friendly and informative about the program. Something that really stood out to me was the guaranteed internship after my second year,” said freshman Hugh Ford ’28. “I know internships can be very competitive, especially in certain fields like pre-medicine, and I thought that opportunity was great.”
Because the program accepts so few students, the candidates need to set themselves apart by showing diversity in their involvement before coming to Wabash.
“I think extracurriculars were asked to list some things that we’ve done. They were looking for a broad base of activities that we had done or participated in previously before college,” said Ryan Bartley ’28. “They talked about how Wabash is a school heavily focused on involvement where all of its students strive to be involved on campus, and I think that if you’re involved in a lot of extracurriculars in high school, it will prepare you well for the Wabash experience.”
To stand out as a GHI applicant, it is crucial to be actively involved both academically and in extracurricular activities. The GHI places significant emphasis on a well-rounded profile, where a broad range of extracurriculars can set you apart from other applicants. The two recent admits highlighted that embracing the ‘Wabash mentality’ a commitment to both academic excellence and extracurricular involvement- is key in making a strong impression during the admissions process.
When asked about what they planned on doing in the future both had similar goals.
“I would eventually like to attend graduate school and hopefully be able to go to medical school,” said Ford. “I have done shadowing in ophthalmology, and over the summer, I worked at a pain clinic. They administered injections for people with chronic pain, things like epidurals and branch blocks.”
Bartley also expressed his interest in Medical School.
“I also plan on being able to apply for Medical school,” said Bartley. “Right now, I’m very interested in cardiology, but I know once you get into medical school, you are open to a wide range of options, so I am still going to keep my mind open.”