The official WWAMI thread!!!!

[studmuffin]

So I havn't seen a thread concerning the WWAMI program and I would like to see who else is applying for this thang and brainstorm. For anyone not familiar WWAMI stands for Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana amd Idaho. The four states that don't have med schools {last four letters} are supported by their home states to apply to Washington as if they were in state and pay in state tuition if accepted and agree to return to their home state for ____ years after residency. So please, speak up!

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[WeAreNotRobots]

WWAMI applicants also get in-state-like consideration at Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico (I think).

This topic seems to be brought up by a worried Montana or Wyoming resident every few months. you guys actually have quite a few good options.

 

[MT Headed]

WWAMI applicants also get in-state-like consideration at Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico (I think).

This topic seems to be brought up by a worried Montana or Wyoming resident every few months. you guys actually have quite a few good options.

You are confusing WWAMI (http://uwmedicine.washington.edu/Education/WWAMI/Pages/default.aspx) and WICHE (http://www.wiche.edu/psep/medi).

WWAMI is open to Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho residents, where the home state reserves a specific number of slots at the University of Washington School of Medicine. When you apply, you are only competing against the other applicants from your state. There are state-specific interviews, state-specific waiting lists, etc.

WICHE for medical schools is only open to residents of Montana and Wyoming. It lets them apply in-state to about 20 western medical schools, and depending on the generosity of taxpayers it might even give them in-state tuition. WICHE also supports other professional programs (including dentistry, pharm, vet, etc) with various donor and sponsor state combinations.

 

[MT Headed]

...pay in state tuition if accepted and agree to return to their home state for ____ years after residency. So please, speak up!

That requirement, if it exists at all, is state specific. I can speak for Montana, where there is zero requirement to return to Montana to practice medicine.

It has been Montana's experience that forcing students to return and practice creates perverse incentives, disgruntled physicians, and poor patient care. We'd rather have doctors that want to be here, and we have many programs that support any physician that chooses to practice in the Big Sky state.

 

[studmuffin]

You are confusing WWAMI (http://uwmedicine.washington.edu/Education/WWAMI/Pages/default.aspx) and WICHE (http://www.wiche.edu/psep/medi).

WWAMI is open to Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho residents, where the home state reserves a specific number of slots at the University of Washington School of Medicine. When you apply, you are only competing against the other applicants from your state. There are state-specific interviews, state-specific waiting lists, etc.

WICHE for medical schools is only open to residents of Montana and Wyoming. It lets them apply in-state to about 20 western medical schools, and depending on the generosity of taxpayers it might even give them in-state tuition. WICHE also supports other professional programs (including dentistry, pharm, vet, etc) with various donor and sponsor state combinations.

wow thanks 😉 my description was a bit hurried but for anyone else reading this this is probably more accurate.

 

[WeAreNotRobots]

You are confusing WWAMI (http://uwmedicine.washington.edu/Education/WWAMI/Pages/default.aspx) and WICHE (http://www.wiche.edu/psep/medi).

WWAMI is open to Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho residents, where the home state reserves a specific number of slots at the University of Washington School of Medicine. When you apply, you are only competing against the other applicants from your state. There are state-specific interviews, state-specific waiting lists, etc.

WICHE for medical schools is only open to residents of Montana and Wyoming. It lets them apply in-state to about 20 western medical schools, and depending on the generosity of taxpayers it might even give them in-state tuition. WICHE also supports other professional programs (including dentistry, pharm, vet, etc) with various donor and sponsor state combinations.

Well done, partner.

Although Nevada explicitly states that it gives consideration to applicants from alaska and idaho as well:
http://www.medicine.nevada.edu/dept/asa/prospective_applicants/adm_residency.htm
I get the feeling they used to participate in wiche for medical education and perhaps they couldn't afford it in recent years.

 

[Chip N Sawbones]

Well done, partner.

Although Nevada explicitly states that it gives consideration to applicants from alaska and idaho as well:
http://www.medicine.nevada.edu/dept/asa/prospective_applicants/adm_residency.htm
I get the feeling they used to participate in wiche for medical education and perhaps they couldn't afford it in recent years.

Good to know. I'm an Alaskan myself.

 

[big study]

So... has anybody heard anything from WWAMI? I didn't make an initial cut off, but still received an opportunity to verify residency two weeks ago. My prayers might be answered. Has anyone received a letter or a email from the admission committee for an interview?

 

[Ost3oclast]

I can confirm that my home state (New Mexico) does participate in this. However, for some reason they still accept over 98% of students from New Mexico itself. Its kind of odd that they would participate in this and not really accept anybody from those states.

 

[GoZags]

So... has anybody heard anything from WWAMI? I didn't make an initial cut off, but still received an opportunity to verify residency two weeks ago. My prayers might be answered. Has anyone received a letter or a email from the admission committee for an interview?

I've been complete for about a month now at UWSOM, but from my understanding we won't start hearing back until a little later because interviews are hosted in January and February I think....

I'm in Idaho btw 🙂 also a re-applicant, got rejected pre-interview last year

 

[MT Headed]

I can confirm that my home state (New Mexico) does participate in this. However, for some reason they still accept over 98% of students from New Mexico itself. Its kind of odd that they would participate in this and not really accept anybody from those states.

I think you are confusing WICHE and WWAMI.

Few students participate in UNM's WICHE program because they require WICHE applicants to participate in the Early Decision Program and basically commit to UNM before even hearing from other medical schools. This is indeed an odd requirement, and doesn't seem to follow the spirit of interstate student exchanges.

 

[Ost3oclast]

I think you are confusing WICHE and WWAMI.

Few students participate in UNM's WICHE program because they require WICHE applicants to participate in the Early Decision Program and basically commit to UNM before even hearing from other medical schools. This is indeed an odd requirement, and doesn't seem to follow the spirit of interstate student exchanges.

Ah yes I am confusing the two. I agree though, having to go through EDP is pretty risky....even at a school like UNM where the average matric. stats are 3.6/28

 

[WusUpDoc]

Any WWAMI (non Washington) applicants receive an invitation yet??

 

[MT Headed]

Any WWAMI (non Washington) applicants receive an invitation yet??

None here yet. The rumor mill says that invites are sent about one month before interviews. Montana residents are interviewed early January, so I'm expecting something via email in early December.

 

[JRG]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone know if the WWAMI sites are on block scheduling or traditional? I'm sure it's something I will ask during my interview but I was just thinking about it.

 

[JRG]

None here yet. The rumor mill says that invites are sent about one month before interviews. Montana residents are interviewed early January, so I'm expecting something via email in early December.

Have you heard back about an interview MT Headed?? I'm almost positive that I'm going to get auto interviewed but I'm starting to worry since interviews are less than a month away and I still don't have that elusive II.

 

[MT Headed]

Have you heard back about an interview MT Headed?? I'm almost positive that I'm going to get auto interviewed but I'm starting to worry since interviews are less than a month away and I still don't have that elusive II.

No, and it is getting annoying. I believe Montana Trust applicants interview jan 9-12, and i'm getting a bunch of other II's in that range. If I knew when wwami would interview me, it would remove a lot of uncertanty and interview shuffling. 🙁

inb4 first world problems / only got one interview / waitlist train / etc

 

[1TB4RKSB4CK]

I did not know these states lack med schools. Good luck to you all, that must be a tough road ahead.

 

[jmj33]

No, and it is getting annoying. I believe Montana Trust applicants interview jan 9-12, and i'm getting a bunch of other II's in that range. If I knew when wwami would interview me, it would remove a lot of uncertanty and interview shuffling. 🙁

inb4 first world problems / only got one interview / waitlist train / etc

This page ( http://www.montana.edu/wwwwami/interviews.html ) seems to suggest that ALL Montana WWAMI applicants will interview the 9th-12th of January, not just the TRUST applicants. So that would mean that interview invitations should come literally any day now.

 

[WusUpDoc]

Got my interview invite for early January! Idaho resident.

 

[Bozone]

Hi all, I'm an MSU student and wondering if there's been any word out on WWAMI interview invites for Montana residents.

 

[JRG]

Hi all, I'm an MSU student and wondering if there's been any word out on WWAMI interview invites for Montana residents.

U of M student here and I haven't heard anything as of yet. I know a few Idaho students have gotten there's but obviously that's a completely different committee. I'm hoping soon as interviews are supposed to be in two and a half weeks at msu. I'll post as soon as I get mine

 

[jmj33]

So I'm guessing Montanans won't be hearing anything until after Christmas. WWAMI is cutting it close!

 

[Danlee07]

Did you know Alaska has a medical school??? what a lifestyle change that must be to go from the mainland to there...

 

[JRG]

So I'm guessing Montanans won't be hearing anything until after Christmas. WWAMI is cutting it close!

God I know!! I've been waiting all week for invites to come out! They may officially win the shortest notice for interviews award, geez. Good thing interviews are close to home, in Bozeman (assuming you're in Montana)

 

[MT Headed]

Hey JRG. Both premeds at Billings got our interview invites (to Bozeman) on Dec 20th, via email. I'm sure you're next. They only give you one day and one time, so make sure to keep your schedule clear.

 

[JRG]

Hey JRG. Both premeds at Billings got our interview invites (to Bozeman) on Dec 20th, via email. I'm sure you're next. They only give you one day and one time, so make sure to keep your schedule clear.

Gosh I hope so, that kind of worries me but at the same time I wasn't complete until about a month ago so I can only expect to be at the bottom of the pile. Congrats though, you sound like the perfect fit for WWAMI I'm positive you're gonna get an acceptance come a month from now!

 

[studmuffin]

If theres any Wyoming residents on here you guys should identify yourself - i have yet to find another UW student on SDN, and I am curious to see if there are any on here.

 

[jmj33]

So I talked to someone at the UW Admissions office and she said that not all MT applicants will necessarily interview in Bozeman. They have a limited number of slots for those dates in January, so if you haven't heard by the end of this week or beginning of the next at the latest, you probably won't interview in Bozeman. That does not mean you won't get an II; it just means that you will probably interview on Seattle mid-February or thereabouts.

If you're very anxious to hear, you can call the UWSOM and they may be able to tell you whether you should expect an II.

 

[Bozone]

Finally got that II yesterday! Good luck to all WWAMI interviwees🙂

 

[Chip N Sawbones]

Did you know Alaska has a medical school??? what a lifestyle change that must be to go from the mainland to there...

Alaska doesn't have a medical school. The WWAMI program allows Alaska residents to do their first year of medical school at University of Alaska Anchorage and the rest at UW in Seattle.

Almost no Alaskans live in igloos and hunt polar bears. Life in towns here isn't much different from towns in the lower 48. We've got shopping malls and pollution here too.

 

[jmj33]

Bozone, mind if I ask when you were complete at UW?

 

[JRG]

So I talked to someone at the UW Admissions office and she said that not all MT applicants will necessarily interview in Bozeman. They have a limited number of slots for those dates in January, so if you haven't heard by the end of this week or beginning of the next at the latest, you probably won't interview in Bozeman. That does not mean you won't get an II; it just means that you will probably interview on Seattle mid-February or thereabouts.

If you're very anxious to hear, you can call the UWSOM and they may be able to tell you whether you should expect an II.

Shoot, maybe that's what's going to happen to me. I still haven't heard for MT interviews, and I'm almost positive that I will get an auto interview invite. I suppose they might elect to interview me in Seattle since my application was in so late. Hopefully not. I'm gonna call tomorrow to find out what the deal is.

Congrats to everyone else about their IIs!!!

 

[GoZags]

Thought I would chime in. Got my Idaho Interview Invite on the 19th for the Boise regional Interview! Very excited! But goes to show that they only give about 3 weeks notice for interviews

 

[JRG]

Called UW admissions office today. The nice lady told me my application is still under review, so if I am to receive an interview invite I can expect it to be in Seattle near the end of february. Makin me sad UW, I would much rather drive the 150 miles to bozeman than fly to Seattle. Oh well I guess now I'm just hoping that I even get an II. My app wasn't complete until the end of November so that probably has something to do with it.

Good luck all at your upcoming interviews!!

 

[MT Headed]

Called UW admissions office today. The nice lady told me my application is still under review, so if I am to receive an interview invite I can expect it to be in Seattle near the end of february. Makin me sad UW, I would much rather drive the 150 miles to bozeman than fly to Seattle. Oh well I guess now I'm just hoping that I even get an II. My app wasn't complete until the end of November so that probably has something to do with it.

Good luck all at your upcoming interviews!!

Montana TRUST applicants are required to interview in Bozeman. So if you applied to TRUST they must have dropped you from that program. If you never even applied to TRUST, then it was highly likely you were going to interview in Seattle anyway. That happened to a friend of mine last year. (though now that I think of it she was a late applicant too... hmm)

I've heard that TRUST status neither increases nor decreases your chances of acceptance to UW. Even if they drop you from TRUST, it is not considered a negative in any way. They only have so many TRUST slots after all. So overall, if you still want to be a doctor and you still want UW to educate you, this is no big deal. Just a little more expensive for you.

JRG!!!

 

[jmj33]

Montana applicant here. Complete with my UW secondary 10/31 and got an email this morning inviting me for an interview in Seattle the week of Feb 21st. They said they'd send another email shortly with date and time, as well as more info on the interview day.

 

[JRG]

Montana applicant here. Complete with my UW secondary 10/31 and got an email this morning inviting me for an interview in Seattle the week of Feb 21st. They said they'd send another email shortly with date and time, as well as more info on the interview day.

Same email came to me! I guess We're getting Seattle interviews because we're not trust applicants. Either way I'm excited! Congrats To you!

 

[akwho]

Alaska resident here. Just talked to the Anchorage front office on the phone.

Apparently they are really behind on screening applications and haven't sent out interview invites yet. Hopefully they send them out soon because the interview dates are supposed to be Feb 13th-16th.

Also I asked them and they didn't want my senior year fall grades, but said to check with UW in Washington and talk to them.


Anybody else got any info??

 

[MT Headed]

It's week 1 for Montana candidates... good luck everybody from the treasure state!

FWIW they are interviewing MT TRUST candidates today and tomorrow, and normal MT candidates Wed, Thur, and that week in February. Five TRUST acceptances come out on Friday, and all other MT candidates are pooled with the February crew.

 

[Bozone]

I got the acceptance phone call Saturday afternoon! 🙂 Has anyone else heard back?

 

[GoZags]

I got the acceptance phone call Saturday afternoon! 🙂 Has anyone else heard back?

What state!? Congrats!

 

[BReal]

Alaska resident here. Just talked to the Anchorage front office on the phone.

Apparently they are really behind on screening applications and haven't sent out interview invites yet. Hopefully they send them out soon because the interview dates are supposed to be Feb 13th-16th.

Also I asked them and they didn't want my senior year fall grades, but said to check with UW in Washington and talk to them.


Anybody else got any info??

AK resident, too. Thanks for calling. I was getting nervous and was about to do the same. Nothing to do but relax and wait.

Sorry I don't have any info to contribute. Hope to see you in February.

 

[akwho]

AK resident, too. Thanks for calling. I was getting nervous and was about to do the same. Nothing to do but relax and wait.

Sorry I don't have any info to contribute. Hope to see you in February.

Seeing you in Feb would be amazing. Lets make a deal to post on this site when we hear something about the interview.

 

[Bozone]

GoZags "What state!? Congrats!"

Montana. By the way, has anyone started a Facebook group for this year's WWAMI students?

 

[BReal]

Seeing you in Feb would be amazing. Lets make a deal to post on this site when we hear something about the interview.

I hope that office gets its stuff together---they seem kind of disorganized.

Deal.

 

[akwho]

Just got the interview invite in an email!!! 🙂

 

[spearfisher]

Just got an interview invite! Any word on how many of us Alaskans generally apply?

 

[BReal]

Just got the interview invite in an email!!! 🙂

In keeping with our deal, I received an interview invite this morning. It was several days after you, but I was complete with my secondary application and residency verification relatively late. Do well and hope to see you in class next fall.


@spearfisher: The number of applicants varies slightly from year to year. The Alaska Office of Management and Budget published data on the performance and future of the Alaska WWAMI program at the following link:

http://omb.alaska.gov/html/performance/details.html?p=185

Scroll down to "Performance Detail A1" and the graph titled "Number of Applicants to Openings" should answer your question. However, I am not sure what they specifically consider an applicant (i.e. applicant = secondary invite or interview invite?). Hope to see you in the fall, too.

 

[nord]

Accepted at Wyo. Good luck to everyone here. Hope to see you in Seattle in a couple years.