Should I pursue SMP of just apply outright?

I have a somewhat unique situation and I wonder if an SMP would be beneficial: I have withdrawals on my transcript from several semesters ;I got sick, close relative died, another close relative developed cancer and in my hubris I kept trying to go to school. In addition, I have an IA for misconduct which I intend on disclosing ( per AMCAS rules). If I could get into an SMP and perform well, how would this bode for me( I was looking at Tulane)?

I wouldn't be applying until next year and I'm writing the MCAT in August. My gpa would be about 3.6-3.7 cum/3.5-3.6 science.

I tried asking school about my specific situation and they basically said applications are reviewed holistically and that is how my application would be assessed.