Should I continue applying this cycle?

[bearded gent]

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Not sure what to do anymore. I'm a re-applicant that applied in 2017. I also took the MCAT in 2017 and received a 497 (C/P 123, CARS 121, B/B 127, P/S 126). Just recently received my score from the 5/11 test date and got a 496 (C/P 124, CARS 122, B/B 123, P/S 127). I’m really surprised and disappointed considering that my AAMC FLs never dipped into the 400’s. FL 1 508, FL2 503, FL 3 506. Not sure if it would be in my best interest to retake at the end of July/August but it might be a mistake to rush a retake. My application would also be kinda late considering my low stats although I’m applying DO and possibly HBCU MD schools. I definitely improved my application this time around, but my only fault in application is MCAT score. Here’s an overview of my stats: URM black male, Texas resident, 3.1 GPA and sGPA, ~600 paid clinical experience (had 0 hours paid clinical first application), ~150 hours clinical volunteer (had ~30 hours first application), ~200 non clinical hours, 25 hours of shadowing and MD letter (didn’t have letter from physician or shadowing on first application), undergraduate TA in bio, ~150 hours volunteer research in developmental neurolinguistics, and some leadership positions. Should I take my chances and apply to new DO schools without retaking? Should I retake at the end of July/beginning of August? I really don't want to give up on this cycle but I also don't want to be a multiple re-applicant if I fail to get accepted. My application is ready to submit but I really need guidance before I do so.

 

[Faha]

You could receive interviews at some DO schools and I suggest all these
UIWSOM
Sam Houston State (when they begin accepting applications later this year)
BCOM
ACOM
ARCOM
NYIT-Arkansas
UP-KYCOM
WVSOM
LUCOM
CUSOM
VCOM (all 3 schools)
PCOM Georgia and South Georgia
WCU-COM
LMU-DCOM
LECOM (all schools)
Most of these schools have MCAT medians in the 498 to 502 range so you could receive interviews. Apply this month and submit all your secondaries by July. I believe the median MCAT for black students attending DO schools is 497 so you could receive interviews. For MD schools your only chance would be Howard, Meharry and Morehouse. If Sam Houston State begins accepting applications later this year apply immediately since they will have the fewest applicants of all DO schools as they will be a new school.