Mention TFA Applicant During Interviews?

[SoonerLuke]

Hey guys, I searched this topic, but all the other threads were at least two years old and didn't really address my specific question.

I just received my first interview invite today, and am pumped, but I was a just curious what would be appropriate to mention during the interview. For example, I am also applying to the Teach for America program right now, and was unsure whether discussing this would be smart or detrimental. I know that if you've actually COMPLETED the program it shows maturity, responsibility, ability to handle stressful situations, but would just APPLYING to the program convey a lack of dedication to the medical profession? I am dead set on going to medical school, either next year or after TFA, but am not sure how most schools would respond to the fact that I am applying to both at the same time.

Additionally, would TFA be a good answer to a type of question like, "If you are not accepted, what do you plan to do for the next year/2 years?"

Thanks for any advice.

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[DrBowtie]

I wouldn't mention it.

 

[DaisyBuchanan]

I know Tulane loves TFAers. Look in the MSAR and you can see how many people successfully deferred their admissions in each med school. If the answer is zero, I'd keep mum about the TFA thing.

 

[ScarletRMD]

I graduated this past May and was accepted into TFA. In June right before I started TFA institute in New York I decided to apply for ED to my state school (also my first choice obviously). I was accepted for Class of 2015 and ended up withdrawing from TFA (It's a two year commitment). The school new about my TFA commitment that I was already in and I told them, if accepted I will withdraw from TFA. If anything, it showed them I was well-rounded and willing to spend a lot of time and energy giving back to underserved communities, but also that medical school was my priority.

That being said, TFA is definitely a positive, but if you are just applying there's no need to mention it. After you are accepted, it can be a thing to bring up in future med school interviews, especially for the question of what would you do if you couldnt get into medical school.

 

[loveoforganic]

I hope to teach for 1-2 years prior to med school, so I hadn't planned on applying until after I was finishing up with it. I met with the Dean of Admissions for the med school I was interested in, told him of this, and he encouraged me to apply now anyway, saying that would be something he'd surely accept a deferral for. I asked if I should bring it up during interview, and he gave a sound NO.

 

[calbears08]

There you have it. If I was an interviewer, I would question your commitment to either path. It's best just to keep it on the DL.

 

[SoonerLuke]

There you have it. If I was an interviewer, I would question your commitment to either path. It's best just to keep it on the DL.

Thanks guys I appreciate the feedback.