I have been going back and forth between accepting an offered spot at A.T. Still or reapplying for MD schools. I applied to DO schools only this cycle due to getting my MCAT score back after MD deadlines and not knowing much about the process. As of right now I am the most interested in EM, anesthesia and orthopedic surgery. I know that during medical school I could completely change my mind, but the residency merger is worrying to me as much is unknown until 2020. If I did not attend A.T. Still I would retake the MCAT and apply MD only.
My stats are:
cGPA 3.49, sGPA 3.55
MCAT: 502
Clinical hours: 1500+
Volunteer hours: 350+
Research publications: 1
If I reapply my goal would be to attend my state school, they have told me that if I bring my MCAT to 505 I will get an interview and 508 will increase my chances for acceptance. Is this too large of a gamble with my stats and current MCAT? Would going MD really increase my chances to obtain the residencies I am interested in if I applied to former AOA programs for orthopedic surgery and ACGME for EM/anesthesia?