I don't know what state you live in, but I think a 26 should be just about right for your state school. What I've been thinking lately is that all college undergrad classes are the same- all professors know their subject area well and will teach it to you well, give or take.
However, I do think that research plays a big factor into the college. I got a 34 on my ACT and was admitted to some of my top choices (Northwestern, JHU, BU Accelerated MD), and those colleges (I'm not sure about BU though) have an extremely strong research arm. This research arm is what will help you get into medical school later on.
In my state, the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor's average ACT scores range from a 28 to a 31. In your case, you would find it a tough challenge to apply. However, I have a close friend who got a 27 and was admitted. And I have five other friends (one ranked in the top ten at my school) get denied with 33 and 34s on their ACTs.
If you want to aim high, then get a higher ACT score. But at the same time, your extracurriculars must center around one or two things that you enjoy. Together with these two things and your grades and essays, will you be able to shoot for the more competitive colleges.