Thanks so much for the replies everyone, I set a goal of 27 for myself and I know a 30+ is attainable for me, which is why I am so disappointed with the 26. Here is a little more detailed breakdown....
3.28 cGPA
3.3 sGPA
Bio major, religious studies minor
strong upward trend, 1 retake
graduated with distinction in biology
2.5 years stem cell research (Parkinson's disease)
1 national 2 local research conference poster presentations
Research funded by Howard Hughes Medical Institute grant
4 years NCAA Varsity softball, 3 year team captain
2 Medical service trips abroad (1 week each)
1 volunteer trip to Uganda (1 month)
100+ hours ER volunteer
50+ hours shadowing (DO and MD)
Many strong letters of rec, including a DO
My current thought process is that I would rather spend the next 6 weeks studying to improve the 26 (which I am confident I can do since it is lower than any of my practice scores) than be sweating bullets the next year because I am applying with mediocre GPA and MCAT, but I do appreciate all the input. I plan on applying to 20-25 schools, but Touro NV is #1 strictly based on location. My goal is to get in somewhere, I do not have a dream school, just a dream of being a DO and all schools have the same net result. Here is my list as it stands now, I am having trouble eliminating schools because I keep thinking "What if they are the 1 school that wants me?" And even though some are not in ideal locations I would move to Antarctica if I had to.
Applied to get application verified
·
Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
Plan to apply
·
Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
·
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
·
Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine
·
Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine
·
Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
·
Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
·
Touro University – California
·
Touro University – Nevada
·
University of Pikeville - Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine
·
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Campus
·
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Carolinas Campus
·
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Virginia Campus
·
West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
·
Western University of Health Sciences
·
William Carey University
·
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undecided (looking for input)
·
A.T. Still University of Health Sciences Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
·
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
·
Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
·
Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
·
Nova Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine
·
Georgia Campus Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
·
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
·
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine Bradenton Campus
·
Lincoln Memorial University DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine
·
New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine
·
Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine
·
Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine
·
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - New York
·
University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine
I don't think it's necessary.
From what I've seen retaking a decently strong MCAT is risky. A lot of people will say anything above a 26 leave it alone (assuming the GPAs are fine) and anything less than a 26 you may want to retake (assuming the GPAs not crazy high). OP you are right there in the middle, however I would not retake that 26 because you will more than likely get some love as you are.
You are missing a heavy component of the application; what about those ECs?!
Would you recommend the OP to retake an MCAT score of 26? I would worry about retaking a 9/9/8 and going down.