gap year or apply straight through? (desperate cry for help)

currently a junior. planning on taking mcat this spring. debating between gap year and applying straight through. here’s context:

  1. low GPA. i have a 3.5 rn because i got a C in Calc 1 and a C in Gen Chem 1 + some Bs. I learned how to study and this semester was good, I took 18 credits and my worst grade was an A- (neuroscience major for context). there’s definitely a trend. if in A from here on out, i’ll end with a little over 3.7

  2. not a ton of clinical. i scribed last Summer. i am starting a year long volunteer program this Spring + going on a medical mission trip. so that would be 3 total. still trying to find shadowing.

  3. research is on track to being solid. i’ve been in two labs (both T20), (already have plans for a third next summer at at a T10) presented at conference and going to present at another soon, abt to publish in nature. not sure how many hours it amounts to, but i think so far this is the most cogent part of my application

my main concerns with gap year vs applying straight through are such.

  • do we think i should retake classes like gen chem + calc 1? if so, then i’ll do a gap year. what are thoughts on where/how? are there premed gap year programs where i can do this? if not, should i do CC?? if not, then should an upward trend + really high MCAT (520+) + smth over 3.5 be sufficient for MD PhD adcoms? even if i get the 3.7, adcoms wouldn’t be aware if i applied this coming cycle.

  • if yes gap year, should i not also being doing research? what i’ve heard from folks is that when doing a gap year, you must continue researching if planning to apply MD PhD. if so, how do i navigate taking classes + doing research. my question is more so again, where + how? what post bac programs exist that are one year class + research. or would i have to forgo a structured program and sign up for things independently on my own accord?

more context: male, 20, african-american, currently at t20 institution

tl;dr: gap year vs. med school. low grades but good trend. mid clinicals. solid research.

appreciate any feedback at all :)